idioms

  keep it under your hat (keep secret; not tell) I have something to tell you, but you must promise to keep it under your hat. We are arranging a surprise party for Jane, but keep it under your hat.     envocabulary.com

  crack the whip (to make someone behave better or work harder by threatening them) The children won’t behave when I reason with them. I think I have to crack the whip. The team has a coach who isn’t afraid to crack the whip.   envocabulary.com

  out of hand (out of control) The kids need some discipline before they get out of hand. We must deal with the situation; it is getting completely out of hand.   envocabulary.com

  bite your tongue (to stop yourself from saying something) I wanted to tell him exactly what I thought of her stupid plan, but I bit my tongue and didn’t say anything.  I think you have to bite your tongue and look on the bright side.   envocabulary.com

  bright side (positive side of an unpleasant situation) Always try to look on the bright side of things. The bright side to this is that at least you can learn something from your mistake.   envocabulary.com