H -Idioms

 had best (do something)

- should do something, ought to do something

I had best go home soon as I want to get up early tomorrow morning.
had better (do something)

- should do something, ought to do something

I had better go now or I will be late for class.
hail from (somewhere)

- originally come from somewhere

My father hails from a small farming community.
the hair of the dog that bit you

- a drink of alcohol taken when one is recovering from drinking too much

My friend got up early and had the hair of the dog that bit him to start the day.
(one's) hair stands on end

- become frightened or afraid of something

My hair stood on end when I saw the scene after the automobile accident.
(to be) hale and hearty

- to be in very good health, to be well and strong

My uncle is a hale and hearty fellow who never gets sick.
half-baked

- an idea or plan that is not thought about carefully or not studied carefully

I do not like my supervisor's half-baked idea about the new delivery system.
(to be) half the battle

- to be a large part of the work

Writing the letters will be half the battle. We can finish the rest of the work next week.
(to be) halfhearted about (someone or something)

- (to be) unenthusiastic about someone or something

I was halfhearted about joining the group to go hiking.
ham it up

- do something silly or try to exaggerate something in a funny way

I was hamming it up with my friend in front of the principal's office.
hammer away at (someone or something)

- be persistent in trying to do something

I worked all weekend to hammer away at my final essay for university.
hammer out (something)

- work something out by discussion and debate

The union and managers were able to hammer out an agreement before midnight last night.
hammer (something) home

- try hard to make someone understand something

The speaker tried to hammer home the importance of treating the customers with respect.

hand Idioms hand down a decision

- announce a legal decision

The judge handed down his decision early in the afternoon.
hand down (something)

- arrange to give something to someone after your death

My grandmother handed down her silver jewellery to my mother.
hand in (something)

- give something to someone, hand something to someone

I went to the company early to hand in my job application.
(work) hand in glove with (someone)

- (work) very close to someone

The supervisor and manager work hand in glove to create a good atmosphere in the company.
be hand in hand

- be holding hands

I walked to the movie hand in hand with my girlfriend.
to hand it to (someone)

- to give credit or praise to someone

You have to hand it to our manager for working hard and being successful with his business.
a hand-me-down

- something given away after another person doesn`t need it (especially clothing)

She was very poor when she was a child and always wore hand-me-down clothing.
a hand-out

- a gift (usually from the government)

The government stopped giving hand-outs to the university students because they had no money.
a hand-out

- a sheet of paper given to students or people who attend a meeting etc.

Everyone at the meeting was given a hand-out on how to invest money.
to hand out (something)

- to give something of the same kind to several people

The teacher decided not to hand out the tests until everybody in the class stopped talking.
hand over fist

- quickly

His new company is making money hand over fist.
hand over (someone or something) to (someone)

- give control or possession of something to someone, give something to another person

The criminals were forced to hand over the stolen money to the police.
hand (something) down to (someone)

- give something to a younger person

The girl always handed her old clothes down to her younger sister.
hand (something) to (someone) on a silver platter

- give a person something that has not been earned

The man handed a job to his son on a silver platter and he never had to make any effort at all.
(live) hand-to-mouth

- have only enough money for basic living

He was living a hand-to-mouth existence until he was finally able to find a job.
(one's) hands are tied

- one is unable to help

I am sorry that I can`t help you but my hands are tied at the moment.
hands down

- easy, unopposed

They won the game hands down over the other team.
hands off

- leave alone, don`t interfere

The government decided to take a hands-off approach to the teachers during the strike.
.



handle with kid gloves

- be very careful handling someone or something

He is very sensitive so you have to handle him with kid gloves when you speak to him.
the handwriting is on the wall

- a sign that something bad or significant will happen

The handwriting is on the wall. Business conditions are bad so nobody will get a pay raise this year.
handy

- can easily fix things

He is very handy around the house and is always fixing or building something.

hang Idioms hang a left

- turn to the left

We drove to the end of the block and hung a left there.
hang a right

- turn to the right

We decided to hang a right when we came to the main street.
hang around

- pass time or stay someplace without any real purpose or aim

We decided to stay home and hang around rather than go to the game.
hang back

- stay some distance behind or away, hesitate or be unwilling to do something

He lacks self-confidence and always hangs back when his boss asks for volunteers.
hang by a thread/hair

- be in doubt, depend on a very small thing

The outcome of the election was hanging by a thread until late at night.
hang in the balance

- have two equally possible results, be uncertain

After the opposition party won the election whether or not the new highway will be built hangs in the balance.
hang in (there)

- persevere, don`t give up

"You should hang in there and not quit your job even if you hate the supervisor."
Hang it!

- a rather old expression used to express annoyance or disappointment

"Hang it", the man said when he hit his finger with the hammer.
hang loose

- relax, remain calm

I want to stay at home this weekend and hang loose.
hang on

- continue

Although conditions were very bad he decided to hang on and fight to keep his business going.
hang on

- wait, continue listening on the telephone

"Hang on for a minute while I go and get some paper and a pen."
hang on (someone's) every word

- listen with complete attention to everything someone says

The audience hung on every word of the speaker.
hang on to (something)

- hold tightly, keep firmly

"Please hang on to your hats or the strong wind will blow them off."
hang one on

- get very drunk

He hung one on last night after he heard about his promotion.
hang one's hat (somewhere)

- live or take up residence somewhere

I want to move and hang my hat in a small town somewhere.
hang out one`s shingle

- notify the public of the opening of an office - especially an office of a doctor, lawyer or other professional

He has decided to hang out his shingle now that he has graduated from law school.
hang out (somewhere/with someone)

- spend one`s time with no great purpose, spend leisure time with friends

Recently my friend has been hanging out with a group of people who are not a good influence on him.
hang (someone) in effigy

- hang a dummy of a hated person

The demonstrators hung the dishonest politician in effigy.
hang tough

- stick to one's position

I decided to hang tough and stop negotiating with the lawyer.
hang up (something)

- place something on a hook/peg/hangar

Everyone was forced to hang up their jackets before they entered the room.
hang up (the telephone)

- place a telephone receiver back on the telephone and end the call

After I hung up the telephone I left home to go to work.
a hang-up

- a delay in some process

There was a hang-up in the construction of the office tower because of the fire.
a hang-up

- an inhibition, a neurotic reaction to some life situation

The girl has a serious hang-up about the dark and is afraid to go out at night.
.


happen upon (someone or something)

- meet someone or find something unexpectedly

I happened upon a very valuable book when I was cleaning up my grandfather's house.
happy hour

- a time in bars or restaurants when drinks are served at a discount

We stopped at the restaurant during happy hour and had a drink.

hard Idioms a hard-and-fast rule

- a rule that cannot be altered to fit special cases

There is no hard-and-fast rule that says you can`t use a cellular phone in the train.
as hard as nails

- physically very fit and strong, rough

He is as hard as nails and is not a good person to have an argument with.
hard feelings

- angry or bitter feelings

I don`t have any hard feelings toward my boss even though he fired me.
hard-nosed

- not weak or soft, stubborn - especially in a fight or contest or negotiations

The company had a hard-nosed attitude while bargaining with the union.
a hard nut to crack

- a person or thing not easily understood or influenced

He is a hard nut to crack and is not close to many people.
hard of hearing

- unable to hear well

The man is hard of hearing so you must speak loudly when talking to him.
hard on (someone or something)

- treat someone or something roughly

His son is very hard on shoes.
(to be) hard on (someone's) heels

- to be following someone very closely

The police officer was hard on the heels of the criminal.
hard-pressed

- burdened with urgent business

"I am hard-pressed for time. Can we meet later?"
a hard sell

- an attitude where you pressure someone to buy something

The car dealer gave me a hard sell on the new car so I went to another dealer.
be hard up

- be short of money

I am hard up for money at the moment so I can`t go to the movie.
.


harken back to (something)

- have started out as something

The new building harkens back to a style that appeared over 100 years ago.
to harp on (something)

- to talk repeatedly and tediously about something

He has been harping on his lack of money for several weeks now.
hash (something) over

- discuss something in great detail

We stayed after school to hash over the new contract.
a hassle

- a bothersome thing

It is a hassle to have to report to my boss two times a day.
a hatchet man

- a politician whose job it is to say negative things about the opposition, a person in a company who must fire extra workers or cut other expenses

He is acting as a hatchet man for the leader but I don`t think that he really believes what he is saying.
hate (someone`s) guts

- feel very strong dislike for someone

I absolutely hate the apartment manager's guts after she caused me so many problems.
haul (someone) in

- take someone to the police station, arrest someone

The police hauled the man in because he was drinking while driving.

have Idioms have a ball

- have a good time

She had a ball at the party last night.
have a bee in one's bonnet

- have an idea or thought that stays in one's mind

My sister has a bee in her bonnet about going to Mexico to teach.
have a big mouth

- be a person who gossips or tells secrets

My friend has a big mouth so I don't like to tell him any secrets.
have a blowout

- have a big wild party or sale

The university students had a big blowout on their graduation day.
have a blowout

- one's car tire bursts

Our car had a blowout on the road up the mountain.
have a bone to pick with (someone)

- have a disagreement to discuss with someone

I have a bone to pick with my boss because of his criticism of me.
have a brush with (the law or something)

- have a brief experience with the law or something

I had a brush with the law when my car was stopped for speeding.
have a case (against someone)

- have much evidence that can be used against someone

The police have a very good case against the man who is selling the stolen cars.
have a change of heart

- change one's attitude or decision (usually from negative to positive)

I had a change of heart and will let my friend use my car tomorrow.
have a chip on one's shoulder

- seem to want to start a conflict

Our neighbor has a chip on his shoulder and is always trying to start a fight.
have a clear conscience

- be free of guilt

I have a clear conscience and am not worried that I did anything wrong.
have a close call/shave

- almost be involved in an accident or something similar

I had a close call this morning when I was almost hit by a car.
(not) have a clue (about something)

- (not) know anything about something

I do not have a clue who took the laptop computer.
have a crush on (someone)

- to be attracted to someone

The girl has a crush on someone at her university.
have a familiar ring

- to sound familiar

The complaints of our supervisor have a familiar ring and we have heard them before.
have a feeling about (something)

- have an intuition about something

I have a strange feeling about the new man in our company.
have a field day

- have a wild time

The media had a field day with the scandal in the local city government.
have a finger in the pie

- be involved in something

The man has his finger in the pie of many businesses.
have a fit

- become upset

The woman had a fit when she saw what her son had done to her car.
have a foot in both camps

- support each of two opposing groups of people

The mayor of the city has a foot in both camps of the opposing groups.
have a frog in one's throat

- have a feeling of a hoarse throat, be unable to speak

I had a frog in my throat and couldn't speak easily in front of the class.
have a go at (something)

- try to do something

I decided to have a go at applying for the job after my boss told me about it.
have a good command of (something)

- know something well

The girls have a good command of French.
have a good mind to (do something)

- be tempted to do something

I have a good mind to tell my friend that I will not lend him any money.
have a good thing going

- have or do something that is beneficial

I have a good thing going with my company and my schedule is very good.
have a green thumb

- be able to grow plants well

My sister has a green thumb and has a beautiful garden.
have a hand in (something)

- be partly responsible for something

I think that the woman had a hand in getting her friend fired from her job.
have a handle on (something)

- have control or an understanding of something

I finally have a handle on my work and it is going very well.
have a head for (something)

- have the mental capacity for something

My father has a head for numbers and is very good at mathematics.
have a (good) head on one`s shoulders

- be smart or sensible

That new salesman really has a head on his shoulders.
have a heart

- be generous and forgiving

The woman doesn't have a heart and everybody dislikes her.
have a heart of gold

- be generous/sincere/friendly

The woman has a heart of gold and is always willing to help her friends.
have a heart of stone

- be cold and unfriendly

The man has a heart of stone and he will never help anybody.
have a heart-to-heart talk (with someone)

- have a sincere and intimate talk with someone

I had a heart-to-heart talk with my sister about my girlfriend.
have a hold on (someone)

- have a strong and secure influence on someone

The coach has a very strong hold on the members of the team.
have a hunch about (something)

- have a feeling that something will or should happen

I had a hunch that my friend would not come to meet me.
have a keen interest in (someone or something)

- be very interested in someone or something

I have always had a keen interest in hiking and camping.
have a lot going (for one)

- have many things working to one's benefit

The woman has a lot going for her and should do well at her job.
have a lot of promise

- have a good future ahead

The young racing horse has a lot of promise and should be a winner in the future.
have a lot on one's mind

- have many things to worry about

She has a lot on her mind with her new job and her new boyfriend.
have a mind like a steel trap

- have a very sharp and agile mind

The man has a mind like a steel trap and can remember most things easily.
have a near miss

- nearly crash or collide with something

The two trucks had a near miss on the highway this morning.
have a nose for (something)

- have a talent for finding something

Our supervisor has a nose for finding ways to save money in our company.
have a notion to (do something)

- feel tempted or inclined to do something

I had a notion to go to the beach so I went to the beach.
have a one-track mind

- think only about one thing

My friend has a one-track mind and he is only interested in making money.
have a passion for (something)

- have a strong feeling of need or love for something

The student wants to become a teacher because he has a passion for teaching English.
have a pick-me-up

- eat or drink something stimulating

The carpenter bought a protein drink as a pick-me-up in the middle of the afternoon.
have a price on one's head

- be wanted by the police who will pay money for one's capture

The man has a price on his head and is wanted by the police all over the country.
have a/the right to do something

- have the freedom to do something

The apartment manager does not have the right to tell the tenants when they must leave the building.
have a rough time (of it)

- experience a difficult period

My friend had a rough time of it when he was forced to leave his job.
have a run-in with (someone)

- have an unpleasant encounter with someone

I had a run-in with my boss that made us both feel bad.
have a run of bad luck

- have a period of bad luck

My uncle had a run of bad luck and he lost his business as well as his house.
have a say/voice in (something)

- have a part in making a decision

The union wanted to have a say in how the company was managed.
have a score to settle with (someone)

- have a problem to clear up with someone

I had a score to settle with the soccer coach which I wanted to talk about.
have a scrape with (someone or something)

- come into contact with someone or something

I had a scrape with the building owner and I must be very careful of what I say now.
have a screw loose

- act in a strange way, be foolish

He is a very strange person. I think that he has a screw loose somewhere.
(not) have a snowball's chance in hell

- have no chance at all

Our team didn't have a snowball's chance in hell to win the tournament.
have a soft spot in one's heart for (someone or something)

- be fond of someone or something

My grandmother has a soft spot in her heart for her youngest son.
have a sweet tooth

- have a desire to eat sweet foods

The girl has a sweet tooth and loves to eat chocolate.
have a taste for (something)

- have a desire for a particular food/drink/experience

Recently my friend has a taste for very loud and fast music.
have a thing going with (someone)

- have a romantic relationship with someone

I think that the secretary has a thing going with one of the salesmen.
have a time

- have trouble, have a hard time

She really had a time last night when her car stopped working.
have a time

- have a good time, have fun

We really had a time at the party last night.
have a try/crack at (something)

- take a turn at trying to do something

I have always wanted to have a try at scuba diving.
have a vested interest in (something)

- have a personal interest (often financial) in something

The mayor of the city has a vested interest in building the new stadium.
have a way with (someone or something)

- be able to lead/persuade/influence others

The little girl has a way with horses. They are very gentle when she is around.
have a weakness for (someone or something)

- be unable to resist someone or something

The girl has a weakness for chocolate and is always eating it.
have a whale of a time

- have an exciting time

Everybody had a whale of a time at the school picnic.
have a word with (someone)

- talk briefly with someone

I will have a word with my boss before he goes home tonight.
have an accident

- experience something that was not intended

I had an accident on my way to work this morning.
have an ace up one's sleeve

- have something that you can use to gain an advantage (in a card game the ace is often the most valuable card and a cheater could have an ace up his or her sleeve to use against an opponent)

I have an ace up my sleeve which should help me when I meet my boss tomorrow.
have an ax to grind (with someone)

- have something to complain about

My co-worker has an ax to grind with our boss and is always complaining.
have an ear for (something)

- have the ability to learn music or languages

My cousin has an ear for music and is a very good musician.
have an edge on/over (someone or something)

- have an advantage over someone or something

Our team has an edge over the other teams to win the high school football championship.
have an eye for (something)

- have good taste in something, be able to judge correctly

She has an eye for nice furniture and her apartment is absolutely beautiful.
have an in with (someone)

- have a way to request a special favor from someone

The woman has an in with her boss and can easily get time off.
have an itch to do something

- have a desire to do something

I have an itch to go fishing this summer.
have an out

- have an excuse

The teacher asked me to do my presentation tomorrow but I have an out and don't have to do it. I will go to the doctor tomorrow
(not) have anything to do with someone

- (not) want to be a friend/work/do business with someone

My father will not have anything to do with the salesman because he sold him the faulty car.
have arrived

- reach a position of power/authority/prominence

The manager thought that she had arrived when she was given a beautiful corner office.
have bearing on (something)

- affect or influence something

The company decision had much bearing on the way that the company was managed.
have been around

- have been to many places and done many things, be experienced

My brother has been around and has been overseas many times.
have been had

- have been cheated or dealt with badly

I felt that I had been had when the salesman sold me the bad product.
have been through the mill

- have become exhausted or been badly treated

The students have been through the mill and want to relax after the final exams.
have been to hell and back

- have survived a great deal of trouble

I thought that I had been to hell and back after I lost my job and couldn't find a new one.
have clean hands

- be guiltless

I felt that I had clean hands and did not need to worry about the company scandal.
have come a long way

- have accomplished much

The woman has come a long way since she lost her house and her apartment.
have contact with (someone)

- communicate with someone

The government has had no contact with the kidnappers for several weeks.
have designs on (someone or something)

- have plans for someone or something

The city has designs on the land that the railway used to occupy.
have dibs on (something)

- demand a share of something, be in line to use something

I have dibs on the computer and would like to use it as soon as possible.
have egg on one`s face

- be embarrassed

He has egg on his face after finding out about his mistake.
have eyes bigger than one's stomach

- have a desire for more food than one can eat

I had eyes bigger than my stomach when I took too much food at the buffet.
have eyes in the back of one's head

- be able to sense what is going on where you can't see

The man has eyes in the back of his head and knows everything that is going on.
have eyes only for (someone or something)

- give all of one`s attention to someone or something, be interested only in someone or something

She has eyes only for her boyfriend.
have feet of clay

- have a character defect

The candidate has feet of clay and is being criticized by many of her opponents.
have growing pains

- a child or organization has difficulties in its growth

The new company is having growing pains as it trys to meet the demands for its services.
have had enough

- have had as much as you need of something

I have had enough sun today so I will go home soon.
have had it up to here with (someone or something)

- have reached the end of one's endurance or tolerance

The teacher has had it up to here with the bad behavior of the students.
have had it with (someone or something)

- be unable to tolerate someone or something anymore

I have had it with her constant complaining.
have had its day

- be no longer useful or successful

My suitcase has had its day and I must buy a new one.
have half a mind to (do something)

- feel tempted or inclined to do something

I have half a mind to go and offer my resignation to the president.
have in mind

- intend, plan

"What do you have in mind for your wife`s birthday?"
have it

- hear or get news, understand

I have it that the new president will be coming to see us next week.
have it

- claim, say

Rumor has it that three of the supervisors will be leaving next week.
have it

- allow (usually used with will or would)

We wanted to have a party at our office next month but our boss will not have it.
have it

- get/find the answer, understand

I think I finally have it. The reason she is leaving is because she is going to have a baby.
have it all over (someone or something)

- be much better than someone or something

My new bicycle has it all over my old one.
have it both ways

- do two things, have two things

"You can`t have it both ways. You must choose one or the other."
have it coming (to someone)

- deserve punishment

He really has it coming after causing many problems in his company.
have it in for (someone)

- show ill will to someone, dislike someone

I have been having problems at work recently. I think that the new supervisor has it in for me.
have it made

- be successful, have everything

He has it made with his new job.
have it out with (someone)

- argue or fight with someone

I had it out with my friend yesterday over the problem with the money.
have mixed feelings about (someone or something)

- be uncertain about someone or something

I have mixed feelings about moving away and taking the new job.
have money to burn

- have lots of money

The man has money to burn and is always buying something new.
have never had it so good

- have never been in such a good situation

We have never had it so good since the new supervisor came to our department.
have no business (doing something)

- be wrong to do something

The apartment manager has no business asking us about our private business.
have none of (something)

- not tolerate or endure something

Our teacher will have none of our talking loudly in the class.
have nothing on (someone or something)

- have no information or evidence about someone or something

The police have nothing on the man so they could not arrest him.
have nothing to do with (someone or something)

- not be involved with someone or something

My aunt will have nothing to do with most members of her family.
have nothing/none to spare

- not have extra of something

We had none to spare so we were unable to give any books to the hospital.
have on (something)

- be wearing something

"What did she have on when you last saw her?"
have one foot in the grave

- be near death

My uncle is very sick and has one foot in the grave.
have one for the road

- have a drink before leaving

We decided to have one for the road before we walked down to the train station to go home.
have one`s ass in a sling

- be in an uncomfortable predicament, be at a disadvantage

He really has his ass in a sling now that he has quit his job and can`t find another one.
have one's back to the wall

- be in a defensive position

The boy has his back to the wall and must pass his exam or leave school.
have one's cake and eat it too

- have something both ways

The union wants to have their cake and eat it too and will not give up anything during the bad economic times.
have one's druthers

- get one's choice

If I had my druthers I would not go to the meeting this evening.
have one's ear to the ground

- listen carefully for advice or advance warning of something

Our teacher always has his ear to the ground to look for possible trouble at school.
have one`s eye on (something)

- have a wish/aim for something, look or think about something

I want to buy a present for my girlfriend and I have my eye on a dress that I saw at the department store last week.
have one`s feet on the ground

- be practical or sensible

The new sales manager really has his feet on the ground.
have one's finger in too many pies

- be involved in too many things

The woman has her finger in too many pies and is unable to do her work well.
have one's hand in the till

- be stealing money from a company or organization

The man had his hand in the till for many years before he was caught.
have one's hands full with (someone or something)

- be totally occupied with someone or something

The mother has her hands full with the two young children.
have one's hands tied

- be prevented from doing something

I had my hands tied and was unable to help my friend with his request.
have one's head in the clouds

- be unaware of what is going on

The boy has his head in the clouds and doesn't think about what is going on around him.
have one's heart go out to someone

- have compassion for someone

We had our heart go out to the woman who lost her child in the fire.
have one's heart in the right place

- have good intentions (even if the results may be bad)

The woman has her heart in the right place and is always ready to help if she can.
have one's heart set against (something)

- be totally against something

My father has his heart set against my trip to Europe.
have one`s heart set on (something)

- want something very much

The child has his heart set on getting a new bicycle for his birthday.
have one's nose in a book

- be reading a book

The boy loves reading and always has his nose in a book.
have one's nose in the air

- be conceited or aloof

The girl has her nose in the air and is unfriendly to the other members of her class.
have one's work cut out for one

- have a large and difficult task to do

We had our work cut out for us when we began to paint the house.
have oneself something

- use or consume something

I decided to have myself a drink before leaving for the movie.
have other fish to fry

- have other or more important things to do

I have other fish to fry and do not want to get involved with the small problems in my company.
have pull with (someone)

- have influence with someone

My friend has pull with his boss and often goes home early.
have rocks in one`s head

- be stupid, not have good judgement

She has rocks in her head. She should never have bought that old car.
have second thoughts about (someone or something)

- have doubts about someone or something

Recently, I am having second thoughts about buying a new motorcycle.
have seen better days

- be worn out or well-used

My bicycle has seen better days and soon I will need to buy a new one.
have (someone) in one's pocket

- have control over someone

The large union has the city mayor in their pocket.
have (someone or something) in tow

- lead/pull/tow someone or something

The boy had his brother in tow as he walked down the street.
have (someone) over

- invite someone to your house

We plan to have my parents over when we settle into our new house.
have (someone's) blood on one's hands

- be responsible for someone's death

The army general has the citizen's blood on his hands.
have (someone's) hide

- scold or punish someone

The mother promised to have her son's hide if he didn't behave.
have (something) against (someone or something)

- have a dislike for someone or something

I don't know why but my teacher seems to have something against me.
have (something) at one's fingertips

- have something within reach

I didn't have a pen at my fingertips so I couldn't write down the man's address.
have (something) coming to (someone)

- deserve punishment for something

The girl has the punishment coming to her because of what she did.
have (something) down pat

- have learned or memorized something perfectly

I have the dance routine down pat.
have (something) going for one

- have ability/talent/good looks

She has a lot going for her and I am sure that she will get the new job.
have (something) hanging over one's head

- have something worrying one

I want to finish my final essay so I don't have it hanging over my head.
have (something) in common with (someone or something)

- resemble each other in specific ways, have similar interests to someone

I have much in common with a girl in my class.
have (something) in mind

- have a plan or idea in one's mind

I don't know what my friend has in mind so I will ask him later.
have (something) in stock

- have goods available to sell

The store does not have any CD players in stock.
have (something) in store for (someone)

- have something planned for someone

I don't know what my boss has in store for me.
have (something) on

- have plans for a particular time

I have something on this afternoon so I can't go to the park.
have (something) on file

- have or keep a written record of something

I have the report on file on my computer disc.
have (something) on (someone)

- have information or proof that someone did something wrong

I think that the police have something on the man and that is why he wants to quit his job.
have (something) on the ball

- be smart/clever/skilled

She really has a lot on the ball. She should do well in her new job.
have (something) on the brain

- be obsessed with something

My sister has tennis on the brain and is always talking about it.
have (something) on the tip of one's tongue

- be almost able to remember a specific fact such as a name or place

I have the actor's name on the tip of my tongue but I can't remember it.
have (something) stuck in one's craw

- have something irritate or displease someone

The man's complaint stuck in my craw for several weeks before I forgot it.
have (something) to do with (something)

- to be about something, to be on the subject of something, to be related to something

"The book has something to do with cooking but I am not sure if you will like it."
That problem has nothing to do with me.
have (something) to spare

- have more than enough of something

We have extra blankets to spare so we gave them to our neighbors.
have (something) up one`s sleeve

- have something kept secretly ready for the right time

I`m not too worried about the meeting as I have something up my sleeve if there are any problems.
have sticky fingers

- to steal things

He was fired from the restaurant because he has sticky fingers.
have the best of both worlds

- be able to enjoy two different opportunities

The man has the best of both worlds and can enjoy the outdoors and nature while he is working at his job.
have the courage of one's convictions

- have enough courage and determination to carry out one's goals

The man has the courage of his convictions and will only do what he feels is right.
have the devil to pay

- have a great deal of trouble

I will have the devil to pay if I don't return home before dark.
have the feel of (something)

- have learned how something feels, be accustomed to something

As soon as I had the feel of the airplane, the instructor let me fly it.
have the gall to (do something)

- be arrogant enough to do something

The woman had the gall to ask me to stop talking after she had been talking loudly for an hour.
have the gift of the gab

- be able to talk and use language easily

My sister has the gift of the gab and is able to talk to others easily.
have the last laugh

- make someone seem foolish for having laughed at you first

I had the last laugh when I went home early while everyone else had to stay overnight at the airport because of the storm.
have the makings of (something)

- possess the qualities that are needed for something

The new soccer player has the makings of a great star.
have the Midas touch

- have the ability to make money easily

My uncle has the Midas touch and he makes money at whatever he does.
have the presence of mind to (do something)

- have the calmness and ability to act sensibly in a difficult situation

My aunt had the presence of mind to write a will before she passed away.
have the right-of-way

- have the right to drive in one lane while driving

The small car had the right-of-way but was hit by the large truck anyway.
have the time of one's life

- have a very good time

We had the time of our life at the party last night.
have the wherewithal to (do something)

- have the money or energy to do something

The man does not have the wherewithal to go to court and fight his case.
have them rolling in the aisles

- make an audience laugh a lot

The speaker had them rolling in the aisles when he gave his talk.
have to (do something)

- be obliged or forced to do something

I have to leave at 4:00 or I will be late for my appointment.
have to live with (something)

- have to endure something

Although the house is very cold we will have to live with it.
have too many irons in the fire

- be doing too many things at once

I have too many irons in the fire at the moment and I am very tired.
have turned the corner

- have passed a critical point in a process

I think that we have turned the corner and that our business will improve soon.
have two strikes against one

- have things working against one, be in a difficult situation

He already has two strikes against him and it will be very difficult for him to get the job. have what it takes

- have the ability or courage to do something

I don't believe that my friend has what it takes to be a good teacher.
.


(go) haywire

- become broken or confused

The plan went haywire when our directions became confused.
hazard a guess/opinion

- make a guess

I would not want to hazard a guess as to the age of the woman.

head Idioms head above water

- out of difficulty, clear of trouble

Although he works very hard he is not able to keep his head above water financially.
head and shoulders above (someone or something)

- clearly superior to someone or something

I believe that our team is head and shoulders above the other teams in the league.
head for (someone/something/somewhere)

- to aim for someone/something/somewhere, to move toward someone/something/somewhere

The tropical storm is heading for the large island.
head-hunting

- search for qualified individuals to fill certain positions

The head-hunting company has phoned me several times about getting a new job.
head off (someone)

- get in front of and stop someone, turn someone back

In the movie the soldiers tried to head off the gang at the mountain pass.
head off (something)

- stop, prevent

They were able to head off a strike by the union at the last minute.
head-on

- front end to front end, with the front facing something

There was a serious head-on crash on the highway last night.
head-on

- in a way that is exactly opposite, opposed to someone in an argument or fight

They decided to deal with their opponents in a head-on manner in order to win the fight.
head out

- leave, start

It is time that we head out for the movie or we will be late.
head over heels

- upside down, head first

He fell head over heels when his bicycle hit the wall.
head over heels in love (with someone)

- completely/deeply in love (with someone)

She fell head over heels in love with the guy that she met at the party.
a head shrinker

- a psychiatrist

The criminal had to go and see a head shrinker after the judge sentenced him to life in prison.
a head start

- an early start to something

They left early in order to get a head start on the trip.
to head up

- to be at the head of (a group), a leader

The president headed up a group of people going overseas to promote trade.
heads or tails

- the face of a coin or the opposite side

We decided who would start the game by throwing heads or tails with a coin.
heads will roll

- someone will get into severe trouble

I think that heads will roll because of the problems with the new employee.
.


hear a peep out of (someone)

- hear the smallest word from someone

We did not hear a peep out of the children who were playing in the bedroom.
hear from

- receive a letter/phone call/news from someone

I haven`t heard from my university roommate for over one year.
(not) hear of (something)

- not tolerate or permit something

I will not hear of my aunt staying in a hotel when she visits us.
hear (someone) out

- listen to everything that someone has to say

We went to the meeting to hear the manager out about the new building.

heart Idioms heart goes out to (someone)

- one feels sympathy for someone

My heart went out to the victims of the railway accident.
heart is in the right place

- be kindhearted/sympathetic, have good intentions

He sometimes makes mistakes but his heart is in the right place.
heart is set on (something)

- one desires and expects something

The boy's heart is set on getting a dog for his birthday.
heart of gold

- a kind/generous/forgiving personality

My grandmother has a heart of gold and everyone loves her.
heart of stone

- someone with a nature with no pity or warmth

She has a heart of stone and is not interested in how other people feel.
heart skips/misses a beat

- be startled or excited from surprise/joy/fright

My heart skipped a beat when the truck almost hit us last night.
heart stands still

- be very frightened or worried

My heart stood still when I heard the story about the little boy and the fire.
heart-to-heart

- honest or intimate

The couple had a heart-to-heart talk before they decided to get married.
.


heavy going

- difficult to do

Moving the furniture was heavy going and we became tired quickly.
a heavy heart

- a feeling of sadness or unhappiness

He seems to have a heavy heart now that his wife has died.
hedge in (something)

- keep something from getting out or moving freely, block something in

My car was hedged in by the other cars and I was unable to move it this morning.
hedge one's bets

- reduce one's loss on something by counterbalancing the loss in some way

We will hedge our bets and go to a movie if the weather isn't good enough for camping.
hell and high water

- troubles or difficulties of some kind

They went through hell and high water in order to get the food to the flood victims.
hell-bent for leather

- behaving recklessly, riding a horse recklessly

The boys went hell-bent-for-leather down the path to the beach.
hell on earth

- a very unpleasant situation

The hot weather made the small town hell on earth.
hell-on-wheels

- a short-tempered/nagging/crabby person

She is hell-on-wheels in the morning so you should be careful of her.
help oneself to (something)

- take whatever one wants or needs

We went to the buffet table and helped ourselves to the food.
help out with (something)

- assist someone to do something

I helped out with carrying the luggage of the other tour members.
helter-skelter

- in a confusing group, in disorder

When we arrived at work we found the files scattered helter-skelter over the floor.
to hem and haw

- to avoid giving a clear answer, to be evasive in speech

He hemmed and hawed when I asked him if he knew where the missing money was.
hem (someone or something) in

- trap or enclose someone or something

We went to the football game but we felt hemmed in by all of the people.
here and now

- immediately

I want you to do that work right here and now.
here and there

- in various places, go to various places

We went here and there during our holidays.
Here goes.

- ready to to do something while hoping for the best results

"Well, here goes. I am going to go and ask that girl for a date right now."
Here goes nothing.

- ready to do something but think that it will probably be a waste of time and will probably fail

"Here goes nothing. I have already asked him to lend me some money and he always says no but I`ll try again."
here, there and everywhere

- everywhere

The mice were here, there, and everywhere when we entered the old house.
hide/bury one`s head in the sand

- keep from knowing something dangerous or unpleasant

He hates to talk about important matters and hides his head in the sand when I try to talk to him.
hide one's face in shame

- cover one's face because of shame or embarrassment

The man wanted to hide his face in shame after he lost his job.

high Idioms high and dry

- stranded, abandoned

They left the manager high and dry when they moved the company to Europe.
high and low

- everywhere

We looked high and low for her watch but we couldn`t find it.
high-and-mighty

- arrogant

He always acts high-and-mighty in front of his employees.
(in) high gear

- at top speed, full activity

The preparations for his visit have been in high gear all week.
high-handed

- bossy, dictatorial, depending on force rather than what is right

My supervisor always takes a high-handed approach when dealing with her employees.
(the) high life

- a luxurious existence

They have been living the high life since they moved to Las Vegas.
high man on the totem pole

- the top person of an organization

My father is the high man on the totem pole in his company and has a very good job.
high on (something)

- intoxicated with a drug, enthusuastic about something

The young man was high on something when the police arrested him.
the high seas

- the ocean (away from the coast)

The crew of the ship spent three months on the high seas before going to shore for a visit.
(to be) in high spirits

- to have much energy, to be cheerful

They are in high spirits since their home team won the tournament.
(to be) high time

- to be time that something should already have been done

It is high time that we spent some time cleaning up our house.
.


hightail it out of (somewhere)

- run away from or leave a place quickly

We decided to hightail it out of the restaurant and go home.
highway robbery

- an extremely high price for something

The price that we had to pay for the theater tickets was highway robbery.
hinge on (something)

- depend on something

Whether or not I can enter the university hinges on my final exam score.
hire out (someone)

- accept/give a job/employment

He decided to hire himself out as a dancer while he was going to school.
hire out (something)

- rent something to someone

We hired out our boat last summer because we were too busy to use it.

hit Idioms hit a plateau

- reach a certain level of activity/sales and then stop

The performance of the basketball team hit a plateau and then declined.
hit a snag

- run into a problem

The negotiations to end the teachers' strike hit a snag last night.
hit-and-miss

- unplanned/uncontrolled/aimless/careless

We are looking for a new apartment but it is hit-and-miss whether we can find a good one or not.
hit-and-run

- an accident where the driver of the car drives away without stopping

My sister was involved in a hit-and-run accident last Sunday afternoon.
hit-and-run

- striking suddenly and leaving quickly

The army made a hit-and-run attack on the enemy soldiers.
hit bottom

- be at the very lowest, not be able to go any lower

The economy hit bottom last year but is finally starting to improve.
hit close to home

- affect one personally

The strike by the trash collectors hit close to home when we had no place to put our garbage.
hit home

- make sense, make an impression on someone

The amount of damage from the storm hit home when we saw the houses on the beach.
hit it off (with someone)

- get along well with someone

We really hit it off at the party.
hit on/upon (something)

- think of something by chance

We hit upon the idea of going to the lake for our holiday after our airline reservations were cancelled.
hit parade

- a list of songs arranged in order of popularity

We listened to all the songs on the hit parade last night.
hit pay dirt

- discover something of value

The men hit pay dirt when they discovered oil in the farmer's field.
hit (someone) below the belt

- do something unfair or unsporting to someone

The lawyer was hitting below the belt when he asked the woman very personal questions.
hit (someone) hard

- affect someone strongly

The death of the woman's father hit her very hard.
hit (someone) like a ton of bricks

- surprise or shock someone

When the small school went out of business it hit everyone like a ton of bricks.
hit (someone) right between the eyes

- make a strong impression on someone, surprise someone

Her incredible performance really hit me between the eyes.
hit (someone) up for (something)

- ask someone for something

My friend tried to hit me up for some money but I said no.
hit the books

- study or prepare for class

He stayed home all weekend and hit the books.
hit the bottle

- drink too much alcohol

She started to hit the bottle soon after her divorce.
hit the bricks

- start walking, go out into the streets (on strike)

The post office workers hit the bricks and went on strike.
hit the bull`s-eye

- go to the most important part of a matter, reach the main question

She hit the bull`s-eye when she suggested that decreasing costs was more important than increasing sales.
hit the ceiling

- get angry

His wife is going to hit the ceiling when she sees the bill for the car repair.
hit the deck

- get up from bed, start working

"Let`s hit the deck and get this work done before supper."
hit the dirt

- fall on the ground and take cover under gunfire

We were told to hit the dirt during the bank robbery.
hit the hay

- go to bed

I decided to hit the hay early last night because I was very tired.
hit the high spots

- consider or mention only the more important parts of something

He only had time to hit the high spots in his report but still it was very interesting.
hit the jackpot

- be very lucky or successful

She hit the jackpot when she bought a lottery ticket last week.
hit the nail on the head

- make a correct guess or analysis

He hit the nail on the head when he wrote the report about the bank`s problems.
hit the road

- leave - usually in a car

We should hit the road early tomorrow morning if we want to reach the seashore before evening.
hit the roof

- become very angry, go into a rage

He hit the roof when he found out that his son had wrecked the family car.
hit the sack

- go to bed

I`m a little bit tired so I think that I will hit the sack now.
hit the sauce

- drink alcohol heavily and regularly

He has been hitting the sauce recently although he says that he doesn`t drink.
hit the skids

- decline, decrease in value

The prices of houses hit the skids recently in our city.
hit the spot

- refresh or satisfy

Drinking the lemonade after the baseball game really hit the spot.
.


hitch one`s wagon to a star

- aim high, follow a great ambition or purpose

He wants to hitch his wagon to a star and pursue his dreams of becoming an actor.
hither and thither

- in one direction and then in another, here and there

He looked hither and thither when he discovered that he had lost his wallet.
hive of activity

- a place where things are very busy

The school was a hive of activity during the school festival.
Hobson's choice

- the choice between taking what is offered or getting nothing at all (Hobson owned a stable in the 17th century in England and always offered his customers the horse nearest the door)

The customer's were given a Hobson's choice. They could buy a car of any colour but only if it was black

hold Idioms hold a candle to (someone or something)

- be in the same class or level as someone or something (usually used with a negative)

The new restaurant can`t hold a candle to the one that I usually go to.
hold a grudge against (someone)

- not forgive someone for something

He has been holding a grudge against the company manager for many years.
hold a meeting

- meet, have a meeting

The apartment owners decided to hold a meeting last week.
hold all the trump cards/aces

- have the best chance of winning, have full control

It will be difficult to do well in the negotiations with him as he holds all the trump cards.
hold back

- stay back or away, show unwillingness to do something

He always holds back during meetings and never says anything.
hold back (someone)

- prevent someone from doing something

The police officers tried to hold back the angry woman.
hold court

- act like a king or queen among his or her subjects

He always acts like he is holding court when I see him in his office.
hold down a job

- keep a job

He has a serious drinking problem and is unable to hold down a job.
hold down (someone or something)

- keep control of someone or something

The government was able to hold down the rate of inflation for many years.
hold forth

- offer, propose

The company held forth a proposal to give all of the employees a bonus in the summer.
hold forth (on/about something)

- speak in public, talk about something

He was holding forth about taxes last night when I saw him in his office.
hold good

- continue, endure, last

The demand for air conditioners held good during July but decreased rapidly in August.
hold off

- delay, not begin

The concert will be held off until next week.
hold off

- keep away by force

The man was able to hold off the police for several hours before he was arrested.
Hold on!

- wait a minute, stop, wait and not hang up the phone

"Please hold on for a minute while I go back and lock the window."
hold on to (someone or something)

- continue to hold or keep something, hold tightly

You should hold on to your bag when you are in the bus or someone may steal it.
hold one`s breath

- stop breathing for a moment when you are excited or nervous

I had to stop and hold my breath while I was waiting for the announcement of the winning name.
hold one's end of the bargain up

- to do what you have agreed to do

The students did not hold their end of the bargain up when they did not do their homework.
hold one`s fire

- keep back arguments or facts, keep from telling something

I tried to hold my fire during the meeting and save the rest of the information until next week.
hold one's head up

- keep one's dignity and pride

The basketball players were able to hold their heads up even though they lost the game.
hold one`s horses

- stop and wait patiently

"Hold your horses for a minute while I return to get my wallet."
hold one`s own (in an argument)

- defend one`s position

Although her boss is very aggressive she is able to hold her own in any dispute with him.
hold one`s peace

- be silent and not speak against someone or something

"Please try and hold your peace during the meeting as it will be to our disadvantage if we have a confrontation."
hold one`s tongue

- keep quiet

He decided to hold his tongue rather than give his honest opinion.
a hold-out

- someone who refuses to give something up, a non-conformist

He was the last hold-out in our effort to make sure that everyone wore a necktie to work.
hold out for (something)

- refuse to give up, insist on getting something

The basketball star is holding out for a large salary increase.
hold out on (someone)

- refuse to give something to someone, refuse to agree

The players are holding out on the owners and will not sign their contract.
hold out (one's hand)

- reach out, extend

She held out her hand to help her mother climb up the stairs.
hold out the olive branch to (someone)

- offer to end a dispute with someone

The company decided to hold out the olive branch to the workers who were on strike.
hold over (something)

- extend the engagement of something

The movie was held over for another week.
hold (someone) down

- try to keep someone from succeeding

The president of the company is trying to hold down the manager so he doesn't challenge his position.
hold (someone) hostage

- keep someone as a hostage

The bank robbers were holding the woman hostage.
hold (someone) in high regard

- have very great respect for someone

All of the students hold the principal in high regard.
hold (someone's) attention

- keep someone interested

The man standing on the bridge held everyone's attention for over an hour.
hold (something) against (someone)

- blame something on someone

My friend forgot to give me my money but I don't hold it against him as he is a nice person.
hold (something) back

- keep information or something to or for oneself

Our boss is holding back the information about the new computer system.
hold still

- to not move

"Please hold still while I fix your jacket zipper."
hold the fort

- cope in an emergency, act as a temporary substitute

He has been holding the fort at his company while his boss is on vacation.
hold the line at (something)

- not yield to pressure, limit something

Our company is holding the line on any salary increases.
hold the reins

- be the most influential person

He has been holding the reins in his company for many years.
hold true

- be true

It usually hold's true that the students who come late get the lowest marks.
hold up

- lift, raise

The students usually hold up their hands when they have a question.
hold up

- support, carry

The main beams in the house hold up the total weight of the house.
hold up

- stop, delay

The accident held up traffic for over three hours at the border crossing.
hold up

- rob at gunpoint

The criminal was able to hold up three people before he was caught.
hold up

- keep up one`s courage or spirits

Her spirits are holding up quite well even though she does not have a job now.
hold up

- remain good, not get worse

Sales during the first six months of the year are holding up very well compared to last year.
hold up

- prove true

Her story held up during the questioning by the police.
a hold-up

- a robbery

I was involved in a hold-up when I was in the supermarket last weekend.
hold up (someone or something) as an example of (something)

- point to someone or something as a good example

The student was held up as an example of an honest and good person.
hold water

- be a sound idea

His proposal for a new work scheduling system doesn`t hold water.
.


hole in the wall

- a small place to live/work/visit, a small hidden (often inferior) place

We went for a drink at a hole in the wall near the university last night.
hole up (somewhere)

- hide somewhere

I passed the weekend holed up in my bedroom with a good book.
holier-than-thou

- acting as if one is better than others in goodness or character etc.

I do not like him because he takes a holier-than-thou attitude toward everyone else.
holy cats

- used to express strong feelings of astonishment, pleasure or anger

"Holy cats, the water is rising over the river bank."
holy cow

- used to express strong feelings of astonishment, pleasure or anger

"Holy cow! There are over one hundred people standing in front of our house."
holy mackerel

- used to express strong feelings of astonishment, pleasure or anger

"Holy mackerel," cried the little boy when he saw the new bicycle that he got for his birthday present.
holy Moses

- used to express strong feelings of astonishment, pleasure or anger

"Holy Moses! It is already noon and I haven`t even started work yet."
a holy terror

- a very disobedient or unruly child

The little boy is a holy terror and his parents never want to take him anywhere.
the honeymoon is over

- the initial period of friendship and cooperation between two groups is over

The honeymoon was over for the new President after several months.
a honky-tonk

- a cheap night-club or dance hall

We went to a honky-tonk in the small town where we stopped last night.
honor a check

- accept someone's personal check

The store refused to honor the check that I tried to give them.
hook, line and sinker

- without question or doubt, completely

She fell in love with her new boyfriend hook, line and sinker.
to hook up (something)

- connect or fit something together

After we moved into our new apartment we had to hook up the phone.
a hook-up

- a connection

The new hook-up for the computer is not working very well.
hooked on (something)

- addicted to a drug or someting similar, enthusiastic about something

The man has been hooked on drugs since he was a teenager.
a hop, skip and a jump

- a short distance

The hospital was a hop, skip, and a jump from our new apartment.
hop to it

- get started, start a job

We must hop to it and try to finish this job before dinner.
to hope against hope

- to continue to hope when things look very bad

The rescue team hoped against hope that the lost hikers would be found alive.
(to be) hopeless at (doing something)

- incapable of doing something well

My sister is hopeless at mathematics.
(to be) hopped up on (something)

- to be high on a drug or on alcohol

The man who tried to rob the store was hopped up on some kind of drug.
to horn in on (someone)

- to come in without an invitation or welcome, interfere

The man horned in on our conversation although he knows that nobody likes him.
to horse around

- to play around, to join in rough teasing

The children were horsing around in the school yard when the bell rang for class.
a horse of a different color

- something totally separate and different

We should not be talking about that issue now. It is a horse of a different color.
horse sense

- good judgement, wisdom in making decisions

He has good horse sense so you can expect him to make an intelligent decision.
to horse trade

- to make a business agreement after hard negotiations

We had to horse trade but we were finally able to reach an agreement to buy the antique car.

hot Idioms hot air

- nonsense, exaggerated talk

He is full of hot air and you can`t trust what he says.
(to be) hot and bothered

- excited and worried, displeased

I don`t know what is wrong with her but she is hot and bothered about something.
hot and heavy

- serious passion or emotions

The love scenes in the movie were hot and heavy.
hot on (someone or something)

- enthusiastic about someone or something

Recently, I am hot on some kinds of classical music.
a hot potato

- a situation that is likely to cause trouble to the person handling it

The issue of the non-union workers is a hot potato that we must deal with.
a hot rod

- an automobile that is changed so that it can go very fast

He has always loved cars and was a member of his local hot rod club when he was a teenager.
hot under the collar

- very angry

Our boss is hot under the collar today because three of the staff came late.
(to be) in hot water

- to be in trouble

He has been in hot water at work since he took a week off with no excuse.
.


a house of cards

- something badly put together and easily knocked down, a poorly made plan/action

The peace agreement between the two countries was like a house of cards and fell apart as soon as a minor problem occurred.
How about?

- will you have something or will you agree to something?

"How about some coffee before we go to work?"
How about?

- what is your feeling/thought/desire regarding something?

"She is not interested in the job but how about one of her friends?"
How come?

- why?

"How come you don`t telephone her if you want to talk to her?"
How`s that?

- what did you say?

"How`s that? I couldn`t hear you because the radio was too loud."
How so?

- how is it so?

"I know that you think that the answer is wrong but how so?"
a hue and cry

- an excited protest/alarm/outcry

The bank raised a hue and cry when we failed to notify them about our financial problems.
to huff and puff

- to breathe very hard

I was huffing and puffing after I walked up several floors in our apartment building.
(to be) hung up on (someone or something)

- to be obsessed or devoted to someone or something

My friend is hung up on one of his colleagues at work.
to hunger for (something)

- to have a strong desire for something

The men were hungering for adventure when they began their tour of Africa.
(to be) hungry for (something)

- to desire something

I was hungry for some different food so I went to a new restaurant.
hunt high and low for (someone or something)

- carefully look everywhere for something

I have been hunting high and low for my house keys but I can't find them.
hurl an insult (at someone)

- direct/make an insult to someone

The young boys stopped to hurl an insult at the older boy.
hush-hush

- something kept secret or hidden

"Why the big hush-hush? Everyone is very quiet this morning."
hush money

- money paid to persuade someone to be silent about certain information

The politician was arrested for trying to pay hush money to a victim of the scandal.
to hush up

- keep news of something from getting out, prevent people from knowing about something

The government tried to hush up the bad economic news but the media soon discovered the facts.
to hush up

- to be or make quiet, to stop talking/crying/making noise

The mother told her child to hush up when they were in the department store.
hustle and bustle

- a large amount of activity and work that is usually done in a noisy and busy place

There is a lot of hustle and bustle downtown every Saturday morning.
(to be) hyped-up

- to have an excess of energy, to be excited

She has been hyped up all morning because she will go to Italy for a holiday next week.