2000 Important idioms - Set 08

176. A saving clause

• Meaning: Any legal document. A saving grace.

• Sentence Usage 1: The contract included a saving clause that protected both parties in case of unforeseen circumstances.

• Sentence Usage 2: The lawyer emphasized the importance of having a saving clause in the agreement to avoid potential disputes.

177. A saving grace

• Meaning: A good quality.

• Sentence Usage 1: His sense of humor was a saving grace during challenging times, bringing joy to those around him.

• Sentence Usage 2: The movie's saving grace was its beautiful cinematography, despite a weak plot.

178. A screw loose

• Meaning: To lose sense.

• Sentence Usage 1: Some thought there was a screw loose in his reasoning, as his arguments were often illogical.

• Sentence Usage 2: The erratic behavior suggested that there might be a screw loose in his mental state.

179. A security risk

• Meaning: A person who represents a risk to a country's security.

• Sentence Usage 1: The intelligence agencies identified him as a security risk due to his suspicious activities.

• Sentence Usage 2: Employers conduct background checks to ensure that employees do not pose a security risk to the company.

180. A shadow cabinet

• Meaning: Opposition party.

• Sentence Usage 1: The shadow cabinet criticized the government's policies and proposed alternative solutions.

• Sentence Usage 2: In parliamentary systems, the shadow cabinet consists of opposition members who monitor and challenge the government.

181. A sharp tongue

• Meaning: Scolding language.

• Sentence Usage 1: She was known for her sharp tongue, especially when expressing dissatisfaction.

• Sentence Usage 2: His sharp tongue often created tension in the workplace, affecting team dynamics.

182. A sheet anchor

• Meaning: Main support.

• Sentence Usage 1: Trust in each other served as the sheet anchor for their long-lasting friendship.

• Sentence Usage 2: A strong ethical foundation acts as a sheet anchor for a successful business.

183. A shooting pain

• Meaning: A quick, sharp pain coming suddenly.

• Sentence Usage 1: He experienced a shooting pain in his leg, prompting a visit to the doctor.

• Sentence Usage 2: A shooting pain in her shoulder made it difficult for her to lift heavy objects.

184. A shooting star

• Meaning: A meteor.

• Sentence Usage 1: We made wishes upon a shooting star during the meteor shower.

• Sentence Usage 2: Seeing a shooting star is considered a rare and magical occurrence.

185. A shortcut

• Meaning: Easy and small.

• Sentence Usage 1: Taking a shortcut through the park saved them time on their way home.

• Sentence Usage 2: Using a computer shortcut can simplify tasks and increase productivity.

186. A shot in the dark

• Meaning: A wild guess.

• Sentence Usage 1: Without any clues, his answer was merely a shot in the dark.

• Sentence Usage 2: Making decisions based on a shot in the dark can lead to unpredictable outcomes.

187. A side issue

• Meaning: Question indirectly concerned with the matter.

• Sentence Usage 1: Let's not get distracted by discussing side issues; focus on the main topic.

• Sentence Usage 2: Bringing up side issues during a meeting can prolong discussions unnecessarily.

188. A sight for sore eyes

• Meaning: Something welcome which one enjoys seeing.

• Sentence Usage 1: After a long day's work, the beautiful sunset was a sight for sore eyes.

• Sentence Usage 2: Seeing her old friend at the airport was a sight for sore eyes after years of separation.

189. A sitting duck

• Meaning: An easy target; a person who is easy to deceive.

• Sentence Usage 1: Without proper security measures, the computer became a sitting duck for hackers.

• Sentence Usage 2: The lack of defenses made the company's data a sitting duck for cyberattacks.

190. A sitting tenant

• Meaning: A person who is occupying a flat.

• Sentence Usage 1: The new landlord inherited a property with a sitting tenant who had been living there for years.

• Sentence Usage 2: The dispute arose when the landlord wanted to renovate, but the sitting tenant opposed the changes.

191. A slap in the face

• Meaning: A snub by someone.

• Sentence Usage 1: Not receiving an invitation to the event felt like a slap in the face.

• Sentence Usage 2: His exclusion from the project was seen as a slap in the face, considering his expertise.

192. A slap on the wrist

• Meaning: A very mild punishment.

• Sentence Usage 1: The employee received only a slap on the wrist for the minor infraction.

• Sentence Usage 2: The court's decision to give the juvenile a slap on the wrist was criticized by some for not being strict enough.

193. A sleeping partner

• Meaning: Inactive partner.

• Sentence Usage 1: He was listed as a sleeping partner in the business, contributing little to its operations.

• Sentence Usage 2: A dispute arose when the sleeping partner demanded a share of the profits despite not being involved in decision-making.

194. A slip of the tongue

• Meaning: An unintentional mistake in speaking.

• Sentence Usage 1: She apologized for the slip of the tongue and clarified her intended statement.

• Sentence Usage 2: Making a slip of the tongue during the live broadcast created an awkward moment for the news anchor.

195. A smack in the eye

• Meaning: A great disappointment or setback.

• Sentence Usage 1: Losing the championship match was a smack in the eye for the team and their fans.

• Sentence Usage 2: Failing the exam was a smack in the eye, especially after months of preparation.

196. A snake in the grass

• Meaning: Hidden enemy.

• Sentence Usage 1: Be cautious; there may be a snake in the grass, and we need to identify the traitor.

• Sentence Usage 2: Trust was broken when they discovered a snake in the grass within their close-knit group.

197. A snap

• Meaning: Something that's very easy to do.

• Sentence Usage 1: Fixing the issue turned out to be a snap once they identified the root cause.

• Sentence Usage 2: With her expertise, solving complex puzzles became a snap for the crossword enthusiast.

198. A society journal

• Meaning: A magazine which reports on fashionable events.

• Sentence Usage 1: She enjoyed reading the society journal to stay updated on the latest fashion trends.

• Sentence Usage 2: The society journal featured highlights from the glamorous event attended by celebrities.

199. A soft option

• Meaning: An alternative which is easy.

• Sentence Usage 1: Taking the elevator is a soft option compared to climbing several flights of stairs.

• Sentence Usage 2: Opting for the simpler route may seem like a soft option, but it doesn't always lead to success.

200. A soft spot

• Meaning: A fondness for something.

• Sentence Usage 1: Despite his tough exterior, he had a soft spot for animals, especially kittens.

• Sentence Usage 2: Her grandmother had a soft spot for storytelling, captivating the family with her tales.