monkey on your back informal (a serious problem that makes your life difficult) The accusations of corruption remain a monkey on your back. (drug addiction) informal He checked himself into rehab to deal with the monkey on his back. monkey on back – English Vocabulary
Read More »mare’s nest
a mare’s nest (a very complicated or confused situation, a mess) The law on restrictive trade is a mare’s nest that nobody fully understands. (a discovery that seems interesting or important but turns out to be false or worthless) The box we found was a mare’s nest. All the …
Read More »lone wolf
a lone wolf (a person who likes to work or live alone) Although John is a lone wolf, we all like him very much. Nobody knows much about him; he’s rather a lone wolf. lone wolf – English Vocabulary
Read More »get your brain in gear
get your brain in gear (make yourself start to think in a clear and effective way so that you can deal with something) I have to get my brain in gear for this important exam. Get your brain in gear because we have to finish the project on time. …
Read More »cudgel your brains
cudgel your brains Old-Fashioned British English (think very hard) I have to cudgel my brains to find a solution. You should cudgel your brains to remember the address. cudgel your brains – English Vocabulary
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