Idioms

one's back against the wall

Meaning: Stuck in a difficult circumstance with no escape

Example: I wish I could help you, but my back is against the wall because I don't get paid for two more weeks.

Up in arms

Meaning: to be very angry

Example: They're up in arms about the new management structure

Scrape the barrel

Meaning: to be forced to use one's last and weakest resource

Example: Also, she admits, she was beginning to scrape the barrel.

to break fresh/new ground

Meaning: to do something that is different to anything that has been done before

Example: This recovery technique breaks new ground.

to sell like hot cakes

Meaning: to be bought quickly and in large numbers

Example: Copies of the book are selling like hot cakes.

to run around in circles

Meaning: to have very little success in achieving something in spite of trying hard

Example: She wastes a lot of energy running round in circles, whereas more careful planning could save a lot of effort and achieve a great deal.

to leave smn out in the cold

Meaning: to be forgotten, ignored

Example: After the baby came, the young husband felt left out in the cold

to boil the ocean

Meaning: to try to do something that is very difficult or impossible

Example: Stop! You are boiling the ocean when trying to finish the project overnight.

to keep an ear to the ground

Meaning: to stay informed and updated about everything

Example: I become anxious if I don't keep my ear to the ground.