Clothing idioms

**1. Wearing your heart on your sleeve**
– *Meaning*: Showing your emotions openly.
– *Origin*: This phrase dates back to the Middle Ages when knights would tie a lady’s favor, like a ribbon or handkerchief, to their sleeves as a sign of their love and devotion.
– *Example*: “She’s always wearing her heart on her sleeve, so you can easily tell when she’s happy or upset.”

**2. Put on your thinking cap**
– *Meaning*: To start thinking carefully and creatively about something.
– *Origin*: The phrase likely comes from the image of someone donning a cap associated with serious thinking.
– *Example*: “I need to put on my thinking cap to solve this challenging problem.”

**3. Keep it under your hat**
– *Meaning*: To keep something a secret or confidential.
– *Origin*: This phrase likely comes from the practice of keeping something hidden under a hat.
– *Example*: “I’ll tell you, but you have to promise to keep it under your hat.”

**4. Toque and dagger**
– *Meaning*: A play on “cloak and dagger,” referring to secretive or clandestine activities.
– *Origin*: A humorous variation of the original phrase.
– *Example*: “Their toque and dagger meetings often lead to surprising decisions.”

**5. Belt it out**
– *Meaning*: To sing loudly and with enthusiasm.
– *Origin*: The phrase may relate to belting a song out as if it were secured with a belt.
– *Example*: “She can really belt out a tune when she’s on stage.”

**6. Shoe is on the other foot**
– *Meaning*: When a situation is reversed, and someone else is now in a position of power or advantage.
– *Origin*: The phrase reflects the idea of the roles being switched like shoes.
– *Example*: “Now that he’s the manager, the shoe is on the other foot, and he has to make the tough decisions.”

**7. Tighten your belt**
– *Meaning*: To reduce one’s expenses or live more frugally.
– *Origin*: Refers to tightening one’s belt to make it fit when times are tough and food is scarce.
– *Example*: “During the economic downturn, many families had to tighten their belts and cut unnecessary expenses.”

**8. Coat of many colors**
– *Meaning*: Something that is diverse or has a variety of elements or aspects.
– *Origin*: Refers to the “coat of many colors” given to Joseph in the Bible, symbolizing his father’s love and his unique position among his brothers.
– *Example*: “Her presentation had a coat of many colors, covering various aspects of the topic.”

**9. Button your lip**
– *Meaning*: To keep quiet or stop talking.
– *Origin*: Refers to physically buttoning one’s lip, preventing speech.
– *Example*: “I had to button my lip to avoid revealing the surprise party plans.”

**10. All dressed up and nowhere to go**
– *Meaning*: Being prepared or well-dressed for an event that doesn’t happen.
– *Origin*: The phrase reflects the idea of someone ready for an occasion but without the occasion itself.
– *Example*: “She was all dressed up and nowhere to go when the event was canceled.”

**11. A feather in your cap**
– *Meaning*: An achievement or honor to be proud of.
– *Origin*: In some cultures, adding a feather to one’s cap was a symbol of valor or accomplishment.
– *Example*: “Winning the competition was a feather in her cap.”

**12. Suit up**
– *Meaning*: To put on formal or appropriate attire, often for a special occasion or event.
– *Origin*: Derived from the act of putting on a suit, typically worn on formal occasions.
– *Example*: “We need to suit up for the gala dinner tonight.”

**13. Wear your heart on your sleeve**
– *Meaning*: To openly display one’s emotions or feelings.
– *Origin*: Originated from the practice of wearing one’s heart on the sleeve of clothing, symbolizing emotional transparency.
– *Example*: “John wears his heart on his sleeve; you can always tell how he’s feeling.”

**14. Dress to kill**
– *Meaning*: To dress very elegantly or stylishly, often with the intention of making a strong impression.
– *Origin*: The phrase emphasizes the idea of dressing so impressively that it could metaphorically “kill.”
– *Example*: “She dressed to kill for the red carpet event.”

**15. Sleeveless errand**
– *Meaning*: A pointless or fruitless task.
– *Origin*: Refers to a sleeveless garment, which is incomplete or lacks an essential part.
– *Example*: “Running after him to change his mind is a sleeveless errand.”

**16. Wear the pants (in the family)**
– *Meaning*: To be the dominant or controlling figure in a relationship or family.
– *Origin*: Traditionally, pants were associated with men and symbolized authority.
– *Example*: “In their marriage, she definitely wears the pants.”

**17. Coat-tail rider**
– *Meaning*: Someone who seeks personal gain or success by associating with others who are already successful.
– *Origin*: Derives from the idea of holding onto someone’s coat-tails to benefit from their success.
– *Example*: “He’s just a coat-tail rider, always trying to befriend successful people.”

**18. Shoe on the wrong foot**
– *Meaning*: When a situation is incorrect or mistaken.
– *Origin*: The phrase likens the discomfort of having shoes on the wrong feet to a situation being wrong.
– *Example*: “His decision to invest in that company was like putting the shoe on the wrong foot.”

**19. Put a sock in it**
– *Meaning*: To tell someone to be quiet or stop talking.
– *Origin*: Refers to the practice of putting a sock in a musical instrument like a trumpet to muffle the sound.
– *Example*: “I couldn’t concentrate with all the noise, so I told them to put a sock in it.”

**20. Hat trick**
– *Meaning*: Achieving three notable successes or accomplishments in a row.
– *Origin*: Originally a cricket term, referring to a bowler taking three wickets in three consecutive deliveries.
– *Example*: “She scored a hat trick by winning three consecutive tennis tournaments.”

**21. Wear the crown**
– *Meaning*: To be the reigning champion or the best in a particular field or competition.
– *Origin*: Evokes the image of wearing a crown as a symbol of victory or authority.
– *Example*: “She consistently performs at her best and wears the crown in the industry.”

**22. Tug at someone’s heartstrings**
– *Meaning*: To evoke strong emotions or sentimentality in someone.
– *Origin*: Suggests the idea of emotions being like strings that can be pulled.
– *Example*: “The touching story of the rescue mission tugged at everyone’s heartstrings.”

**23. Tighten your belt**
– *Meaning*: To reduce one’s expenses or live more frugally, often due to financial difficulties.
– *Origin*: Refers to tightening one’s belt as a way to make clothing fit better when food is scarce.
– *Example*: “During the economic downturn, many families had to tighten their belts to make ends meet.”

**24. All hat and no cattle**
– *Meaning*: Describes someone who talks boastfully or appears impressive but lacks the substance or skills to back it up.
– *Origin*: Commonly associated with cowboy culture, where wearing a hat symbolizes a cowboy, but having cattle signifies a true rancher.
– *Example*: “He talks a big game, but he’s all hat and no cattle when it comes to running a business.”

**25. Bare your soul**
– *Meaning*: To reveal your innermost thoughts, feelings, or secrets.
– *Origin*: Suggests the idea of exposing one’s soul as if it were clothing.
– *Example*: “In his memoir, he bared his soul and shared his life’s deepest experiences.”

**26. Put on airs**
– *Meaning*: To behave in a haughty or pretentious manner, often to appear more important than one is.
– *Origin*: Suggests the idea of putting on airs or adopting a false persona.
– *Example*: “Ever since he got that promotion, he’s been putting on airs around the office.”

**27. Tie the knot**
– *Meaning*: To get married.
– *Origin*: The phrase may be related to the tradition of tying a knot during marriage ceremonies.
– *Example*: “After years of dating, they finally decided to tie the knot.”

**28. Shirt off your back**
– *Meaning*: To give someone everything you have, including your possessions or assistance.
– *Origin*: Reflects the idea of giving someone the very shirt you are wearing.
– *Example*: “He’s the kind of person who would give you the shirt off his back if you needed it.”

**29. Don’t let the grass grow under your feet**
– *Meaning*: To act quickly or not waste time; to keep moving forward.
– *Origin*: The phrase suggests that if grass grows under your feet, you are stationary for too long.
– *Example*: “He’s always looking for new opportunities and doesn’t let the grass grow under his feet.”

**30. An old shoe**
– *Meaning*: Someone who is very familiar, comfortable, or easy to get along with.
– *Origin*: This idiom likens a person to an old, well-worn shoe that is comfortable to wear.
– *Example*: “She’s like an old shoe; you can always count on her for support.”

**31. Dress for success**
– *Meaning*: To wear clothing that enhances one’s professional image or chances of achieving success.
– *Origin*: Encourages the idea that dressing well can positively impact one’s career or endeavors.
– *Example*: “She always dresses for success when attending important business meetings.”

**32. Put your pants on one leg at a time**
– *Meaning*: To emphasize that everyone, regardless of their status, abilities, or position, is fundamentally the same.
– *Origin*: Illustrates the commonality in the way people put on their pants.
– *Example*: “He may be a celebrity, but he still puts his pants on one leg at a time like the rest of us.”

**33. Paint the town red**
– *Meaning*: To go out and celebrate in a lively and extravagant manner.
– *Origin*: The phrase likely originated from the idea of celebrating so enthusiastically that the town appeared to be painted with excitement.
– *Example*: “After their team won the championship, they decided to paint the town red.”

**34. Wear many hats**
– *Meaning*: To have multiple roles or responsibilities, often in one’s professional life.
– *Origin*: The idiom compares taking on different roles to wearing different hats.
– *Example*: “In his job, he wears many hats, from manager to mentor.”

**35. Pull up your socks**
– *Meaning*: To make an effort to improve or work harder.
– *Origin*: Suggests the act of pulling up one’s socks as a sign of readiness or preparation.
– *Example*: “If we want to win this competition, we need to pull up our socks and practice harder.”

**36. Walk a mile in someone’s shoes**
– *Meaning*: To try to understand someone else’s perspective, feelings, or experiences.
– *Origin*: Encourages empathy by imagining oneself in another person’s situation.
– *Example*: “Before criticizing her decisions, try to walk a mile in her shoes and see how challenging it is.”

**37. Wear two hats**
– *Meaning*: To have dual responsibilities or roles.
– *Origin*: Suggests juggling two roles as if they were two different hats.
– *Example*: “In addition to being a teacher, he wears two hats as the school’s soccer coach.”

**38. Go hat in hand**
– *Meaning*: To approach someone humbly or in a subservient manner, typically to ask for help or a favor.
– *Origin*: Refers to the practice of removing one’s hat as a sign of respect or submission.
– *Example*: “After losing his job, he had to go hat in hand to his former employer to ask for his position back.”

**39. Be caught with your pants down**
– *Meaning*: To be caught unprepared or in an embarrassing situation.
– *Origin*: Imagery of someone surprised while not properly dressed.
– *Example*: “He was caught with his pants down when he couldn’t answer the unexpected question.”

**40. The shoe is on the other foot**
– *Meaning*: When a situation is reversed, and someone else is now in a position of power or advantage.
– *Origin*: The phrase likens the reversal of roles to the idea of changing shoes.
– *Example*: “Now that she’s the manager, the shoe is on the other foot, and she has to make the tough decisions.”

**41. A leopard can’t change its spots**
– *Meaning*: People can’t change their innate nature or behavior.
– *Origin*: This phrase likens one’s unchanging character to the pattern on a leopard’s coat.
– *Example*: “I’ve known him for years, and he’s still as stubborn as ever; a leopard can’t change its spots.”

**42. Hang by a thread**
– *Meaning*: In a precarious or dangerous situation.
– *Origin*: Suggests something is barely holding on, like a thread holding up a weight.
– *Example*: “The company’s finances are hanging by a thread, and we need a solution fast.”

**43. White-collar worker**
– *Meaning*: A person employed in an office job or a profession that typically requires formal attire.
– *Origin*: Refers to the dress shirts, often white, worn by professionals and office workers.
– *Example*: “He’s a white-collar worker in a law firm downtown.”

**44. Have a feather in one’s cap**
– *Meaning*: To have an achievement or honor that one can be proud of.
– *Origin*: This phrase refers to adding a feather to one’s cap as a symbol of accomplishment.
– *Example*: “Winning that award was a feather in her cap.”

**45. Under one’s belt**
– *Meaning*: Having accomplished or experienced something.
– *Origin*: Suggests that an experience or achievement can be likened to something “under” or within one’s belt.
– *Example*: “She already has two successful projects under her belt.”

**46. A coat of paint**
– *Meaning*: Superficial improvement or change.
– *Origin*: Likens the idea of making something look better to applying a coat of paint.
– *Example*: “The renovation gave the old house a fresh coat of paint, but it still has structural issues.”

**47. A feather in your cap**
– *Meaning*: An achievement or honor to be proud of.
– *Origin*: In some cultures, adding a feather to one’s cap was a symbol of valor or accomplishment.
– *Example*: “Winning the competition was a feather in her cap.”

**48. All hat and no cattle**
– *Meaning*: Describes someone who talks boastfully or appears impressive but lacks the substance or skills to back it up.
– *Origin*: Commonly associated with cowboy culture, where wearing a hat symbolizes a cowboy, but having cattle signifies a true rancher.
– *Example*: “He talks a big game, but he’s all hat and no cattle when it comes to running a business.”

**49. Put your pants on one leg at a time**
– *Meaning*: To emphasize that everyone, regardless of their status, abilities, or position, is fundamentally the same.
– *Origin*: Illustrates the commonality in the way people put on their pants.
– *Example*: “He may be a celebrity, but he still puts his pants on one leg at a time like the rest of us.”

**50. Button up your lip**
– *Meaning*: To tell someone to be quiet or stop talking.
– *Origin*: Refers to physically buttoning one’s lip, preventing speech.
– *Example*: “I had to button up my lip to avoid revealing the surprise party plans.”

**51. All frills and no substance**
– *Meaning*: Refers to something that is showy and decorative but lacks depth or practical value.
– *Origin*: The phrase implies an excessive focus on decorative elements like frills, which can detract from the substance.
– *Example*: “The presentation was all frills and no substance; it lacked important data and analysis.”

**52. Walk in someone else’s shoes**
– *Meaning*: To try to understand someone else’s perspective or experiences.
– *Origin*: Encourages empathy by suggesting you walk in their shoes, experiencing what they do.
– *Example*: “Before passing judgment, try to walk in his shoes and see how challenging his life has been.”

**53. Belt it out**
– *Meaning*: To sing loudly and with enthusiasm.
– *Origin*: The phrase may relate to belting a song out as if it were secured with a belt.
– *Example*: “She can really belt out a tune when she’s on stage.”

**54. A hat trick**
– *Meaning*: Achieving three notable successes or accomplishments in a row.
– *Origin*: Originally a cricket term, referring to a bowler taking three wickets in three consecutive deliveries.
– *Example*: “She scored a hat trick by winning three consecutive tennis tournaments.”

**55. A cap in hand**
– *Meaning*: Approaching someone in a humble or subservient manner, often to ask for help.
– *Origin*: The image of holding one’s cap in hand as a sign of respect or submission.
– *Example*: “He came to his former boss with a cap in hand, asking for assistance.”

**56. Tails between your legs**
– *Meaning*: Describes someone who is embarrassed or defeated and displays signs of shame or submission.
– *Origin*: Similar to the way a dog might tuck its tail between its legs when feeling submissive.
– *Example*: “After the debate, he left the stage with his tails between his legs.”

**57. Tighten your belt**
– *Meaning*: To reduce one’s expenses or live more frugally, often due to financial difficulties.
– *Origin*: Refers to tightening one’s belt as a way to make clothing fit better when food is scarce.
– *Example*: “During the economic downturn, many families had to tighten their belts to make ends meet.”

**58. A well-heeled person**
– *Meaning*: Someone who is wealthy or affluent.
– *Origin*: “Well-heeled” suggests that someone has the means to afford expensive or high-quality shoes.
– *Example*: “The well-heeled couple travels to exotic destinations every year.”

**59. Tug at someone’s heartstrings**
– *Meaning*: To evoke strong emotions or sentimentality in someone.
– *Origin*: Suggests the idea of emotions being like strings that can be pulled.
– *Example*: “The touching story of the rescue mission tugged at everyone’s heartstrings.”

**60. A new hat**
– *Meaning*: Refers to a new role, responsibility, or position, often indicating a change or shift.
– *Origin*: The imagery of someone putting on a new hat to signify a different role.
– *Example*: “With his recent promotion, he’s wearing a new hat as the head of the department.”

**61. A feather in your cap**
– *Meaning*: An achievement or honor to be proud of.
– *Origin*: In some cultures, adding a feather to one’s cap was a symbol of valor or accomplishment.
– *Example*: “Winning the competition was a feather in her cap.”

**62. The emperor’s new clothes**
– *Meaning*: Refers to a situation where people pretend to see or admire something that doesn’t actually exist or is of no value.
– *Origin*: This idiom originates from Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tale “The Emperor’s New Clothes.”
– *Example*: “His supporters are like the people in the story, praising his policies even when they’re ineffective.”

**63. Skating on thin ice**
– *Meaning*: Engaging in risky or dangerous behavior that could lead to trouble.
– *Origin*: Suggests the idea of someone skating on ice that is too thin and might break.
– *Example*: “Continuing to ignore safety protocols is like skating on thin ice.”

**64. Bare your soul**
– *Meaning*: To reveal your innermost thoughts, feelings, or secrets.
– *Origin*: Suggests the idea of exposing one’s soul as if it were clothing.
– *Example*: “In his memoir, he bared his soul and shared his life’s deepest experiences.”

**65. Hat in hand**
– *Meaning*: Approaching someone in a humble or subservient manner, often to ask for help.
– *Origin*: The image of holding one’s hat in hand as a sign of respect or submission.
– *Example*: “He came to his former boss with a hat in hand, asking for assistance.”

**66. Sleeveless errand**
– *Meaning*: A pointless or fruitless task.
– *Origin*: Refers to a sleeveless garment, which is incomplete or lacks an essential part.
– *Example*: “Running after him to change his mind is a sleeveless errand.”

**67. Tuck in your shirt**
– *Meaning*: To behave in an orderly or proper manner.
– *Origin*: Reflects the idea of tidying up one’s appearance by tucking in a shirt.
– *Example*: “At the formal dinner, make sure to tuck in your shirt and use proper table manners.”

**68. All shoes and no socks**
– *Meaning*: Describes someone who is all show and appearance but lacks substance or depth.
– *Origin*: Likens the superficiality of shoes without socks to a lack of depth.
– *Example*: “His flashy presentation was all shoes and no socks; he couldn’t answer basic questions.”

**69. Tighten your belt**
– *Meaning*: To reduce one’s expenses or live more frugally, often due to financial difficulties.
– *Origin*: Refers to tightening one’s belt as a way to make clothing fit better when food is scarce.
– *Example*: “During the economic downturn, many families had to tighten their belts to make ends meet.”

**70. A feather in one’s cap**
– *Meaning*: An achievement or honor to be proud of.
– *Origin*: In some cultures, adding a feather to one’s cap was a symbol of valor or accomplishment.
– *Example*: “Winning the competition was a feather in her cap.”

**71. Belt and braces**
– *Meaning*: To take extra precautions or be overly cautious.
– *Origin*: In fashion, wearing both a belt and suspenders (braces) is redundant, just as taking extra precautions can be.
– *Example*: “He’s so cautious that he wears both a belt and braces, even though it’s unnecessary.”

**72. The shirt off your back**
– *Meaning*: Willing to give someone everything you have, including your possessions.
– *Origin*: Suggests that you’d give someone even the shirt you are wearing if they needed it.
– *Example*: “He’s the type of person who would give you the shirt off his back if you were in need.”

**73. In someone’s pocket**
– *Meaning*: Under someone’s control or influence.
– *Origin*: Likens the idea of being easily carried or controlled like an item in someone’s pocket.
– *Example*: “He’s got the politicians in his pocket, so he can influence policy decisions.”

**74. A black tie affair**
– *Meaning*: An event or gathering that requires formal attire, typically a black-tie dinner.
– *Origin*: Refers to the black tie worn with formal evening wear.
– *Example*: “The gala is a black tie affair, so be sure to dress accordingly.”

**75. A coat of arms**
– *Meaning*: A heraldic design on a shield or emblem that represents a family, organization, or individual.
– *Origin*: Refers to the decorative coat worn over armor during medieval battles.
– *Example*: “The coat of arms on the family crest tells the story of our heritage.”

**76. Straight from the horse’s mouth**
– *Meaning*: To hear information directly from the most reliable or authoritative source.
– *Origin*: In horse racing, getting information from the horse’s owner or trainer was considered the most accurate.
– *Example*: “I heard it straight from the horse’s mouth that the project is on track.”

**77. A feather in the wind**
– *Meaning*: Someone who is easily influenced or indecisive.
– *Origin*: Suggests that a feather can be easily blown in any direction by the wind.
– *Example*: “He’s like a feather in the wind, changing his opinions based on who he’s with.”

**78. Buttoned-up**
– *Meaning*: To be very formal, reserved, or conservative in demeanor and appearance.
– *Origin*: The image of someone whose clothing is fully buttoned up, suggesting a reserved nature.
– *Example*: “She’s always so buttoned-up at work, but she’s more relaxed outside the office.”

**79. Suit yourself**
– *Meaning*: To do what makes you happy or comfortable, regardless of others’ opinions or preferences.
– *Origin*: Refers to choosing a suit or clothing that suits one’s own style or taste.
– *Example*: “If you want to stay in tonight, suit yourself; I’ll go out with friends.”

**80. Wearing thin**
– *Meaning*: Becoming less effective or acceptable as time goes on.
– *Origin*: Suggests that something is wearing out, like fabric becoming thin with use.
– *Example*: “His excuses for being late are wearing thin; we need a change.”

**81. Out of pocket**
– *Meaning*: To be financially responsible for something, especially an unexpected expense.
– *Origin*: This phrase originally referred to having one’s money or wallet out of one’s pocket.
– *Example*: “I had to pay for the repairs out of pocket since insurance didn’t cover it.”

**82. Collar someone**
– *Meaning*: To confront or corner someone, often in a difficult or uncomfortable conversation.
– *Origin*: The phrase likens the action to grabbing someone by the collar.
– *Example*: “I had to collar him about his irresponsible behavior.”

**83. Blue in the face**
– *Meaning*: To be exhausted or frustrated from trying to convince someone or make a point.
– *Origin*: The phrase suggests that one might turn blue from lack of oxygen after repeated attempts.
– *Example*: “I argued with him until I was blue in the face, but he wouldn’t listen.”

**84. Shoestring budget**
– *Meaning*: A very tight or minimal budget.
– *Origin*: The term likens a budget to the thinness of a shoestring.
– *Example*: “We had to operate on a shoestring budget to make the project work.”

**85. A thread of hope**
– *Meaning*: A small glimmer of hope in a difficult situation.
– *Origin*: Likens hope to a thin thread that is fragile but still present.
– *Example*: “Even in the darkest times, there’s always a thread of hope.”

**86. Wear your heart on your sleeve**
– *Meaning*: To openly display one’s emotions or feelings.
– *Origin*: Originated from the practice of wearing one’s heart on the sleeve of clothing, symbolizing emotional transparency.
– *Example*: “John wears his heart on his sleeve; you can always tell how he’s feeling.”

**87. A well-heeled person**
– *Meaning*: Someone who is wealthy or affluent.
– *Origin*: “Well-heeled” suggests that someone has the means to afford expensive or high-quality shoes.
– *Example*: “The well-heeled couple travels to exotic destinations every year.”

**88. A hat in the ring**
– *Meaning*: To announce one’s intention to compete or participate in something.
– *Origin*: Refers to the tradition of throwing one’s hat into a boxing ring as a sign of entering a competition.
– *Example*: “She decided to put her hat in the ring and run for political office.”

**89. Out of your league**
– *Meaning*: Describes someone or something that is superior, more advanced, or beyond one’s ability to compete with.
– *Origin*: Suggests that someone is playing a sport or game where the competition is beyond their skill level.
– *Example*: “She’s a brilliant scientist; dating her would be out of my league.”

**90. Hanger-on**
– *Meaning*: Someone who attaches themselves to a more important or successful person, often for personal gain.
– *Origin*: Suggests the idea of clinging to someone like a hanger holding clothing.
– *Example*: “He’s just a hanger-on, always trying to befriend successful people.”

**91. A shoulder to cry on**
– *Meaning*: Someone who provides emotional support and listens to another person’s troubles.
– *Origin*: Suggests the idea of leaning on someone’s shoulder for comfort during emotional moments.
– *Example*: “After her breakup, she needed a friend who would be a shoulder to cry on.”

**92. Hang it up**
– *Meaning*: To retire or stop doing something, often related to one’s career or a particular activity.
– *Origin*: Reflects the act of hanging up clothing, signifying the end of a workday or activity.
– *Example*: “After 30 years in the industry, he decided it was time to hang it up and enjoy retirement.”

**93. Suit up**
– *Meaning*: To put on formal or appropriate attire, often for a special occasion or event.
– *Origin*: Derived from the act of putting on a suit, typically worn on formal occasions.
– *Example*: “We need to suit up for the gala dinner tonight.”

**94. Collar someone**
– *Meaning*: To confront or corner someone, often in a difficult or uncomfortable conversation.
– *Origin*: The phrase likens the action to grabbing someone by the collar.
– *Example*: “I had to collar him about his irresponsible behavior.”

**95. A white-knuckle ride**
– *Meaning*: A thrilling and intense experience, often one that is risky or frightening.
– *Origin*: Describes the grip on something so intense that the knuckles turn white.
– *Example*: “The roller coaster provided a white-knuckle ride that left us breathless.”

**96. Get your coat**
– *Meaning*: A phrase used to dismiss or ask someone to leave, often in a casual or abrupt manner.
– *Origin*: Suggests that someone should retrieve their coat and exit.
– *Example*: “I’ve had enough of your excuses; just get your coat and go.”

**97. Coat and tie**
– *Meaning*: A dress code requiring formal attire, including a coat and tie.
– *Origin*: Specifies the clothing items typically worn in formal or professional settings.
– *Example*: “The invitation specifies a coat and tie dress code for the event.”

**98. Show your true colors**
– *Meaning*: To reveal one’s true personality, intentions, or character.
– *Origin*: Refers to the practice of displaying one’s flag or banner with distinctive colors during battle to identify allegiances.
– *Example*: “When faced with adversity, she showed her true colors as a compassionate and strong leader.”

**99. Hang by a thread**
– *Meaning*: In a precarious or dangerous situation.
– *Origin*: Suggests that something is barely holding on, like a thread holding up a weight.
– *Example*: “The company’s finances are hanging by a thread, and we need a solution fast.”

**100. Zip your lip**
– *Meaning*: To tell someone to be quiet or stop talking.
– *Origin*: Refers to physically zipping one’s lips shut, preventing speech.
– *Example*: “During the exam, the teacher reminded us all to zip our lips.”

These idiomatic expressions continue to use clothing-related imagery to convey various meanings and situations in a colorful and engaging manner.