Idioms: Keep a Level Head

By no stretch of the imagination This expression means ‘however hard you may try to believe or imagine something’.

“By no stretch of the imagination could he be called handsome.”

Stretch the truth When you stretch the truth you exaggerate the facts or say things that are not exactly true.

Some candidates are tempted to stretch the truth about their skills or work experience.

Strictly business An appointment or event that is entirely devoted to business, with no leisure or relaxation, is called strictly business.

“Yes we had lunch together but it was strictly business.” Strike a false note If you strike a false note, you do something wrong or inappropriate.

“He struck a false note when he arrived at the cocktail party wearing old jeans.”

Strike gold If you strike gold, you find exactly what you need: satisfaction, wealth, happiness, etc.

“I think she has struck gold this time in her new job. It suits her perfectly!”

Strike home When someone’s comments or remarks strike home, they make you fully understand the situation.

“The seriousness of his injuries struck home as he listened to the surgeon.”

Strike (it) lucky When someone strikes it lucky, they run into good luck.

“We had a sunny week in Scotland. We struck it lucky!”

Strike (or hit) a raw nerve If something you say strikes a raw nerve, it upsets someone because they are very sensitive about the subject.

“You struck a raw nerve when you mentioned divorce. Another string to your bow If you have another string to your bow, you have another skill or possible course of action if what you are doing now is unsuccessful.

“As well as her excellent qualifications, she’s got another string to her bow to help her find a job.

She speaks fluent Chinese.”

String someone along If you string someone along, you deliberately mislead them about your intentions.

“Bob finally realised that Mary has just been stringing him along; she had no intention of marrying him.

With no strings attached An offer with “no strings attached” is an offer made without conditions or restrictions, and requires nothing in return.

“I managed to get a loan with no strings attached.” Struck dumb If someone is struck dumb, they are unable to speak because they are so surprised, shocked or frightened by something.

“The accused was struck dumb when the verdict was announced.”

On the stump Before an election, when politicians are campaigning for support and votes, they are on the stump.

“On the stump for months, the candidates attended meeting after meeting.”