B
Idioms beginning with "B"
Part of speech, explanation, example sentences, pronunciation
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Contents of B:
[bandy about] {v. phr.}
To spread rumors or whisper secrets.
The news of Jim and Mary's divorce was bandied about until everyone at the office had heard it.
[bang up] {adj.}, {informal}
Very successful; very good; splendid; excellent.
The football coach has done a bang-up job this season.
John did a bang-up job painting the house.
Syn.: [FIRST-CLASS].
[bank on] {v.}, {informal}
To depend on; put one's trust in; rely on.
He knew he could bank on public indignation to change things, if he could once prove the dirty work.
* /The students were banking on the team to do its best in the championship […]
[bargain for] or [bargain on] {v.}
To be ready for; expect.
When John started a fight with the smaller boy he got more than he bargained for.
The final cost of building the house was much more than they had bargained on.
Compare: [COUNT ON].
[barge in] {v. phr.}, {informal}
To appear uninvited at someone's house or apartment, or to interrupt a conversation.
I'm sorry for barging in like that, Sir, but my car died on me and there is no pay phone anywhere.
* /I'm sorry for barging in […]
[bark up the wrong tree] {v. phr.}, {informal}
To choose the wrong person to deal with or the wrong course of action; mistake an aim.
If he thinks he can fool me, he is barking up the wrong tree.
* /He is barking up the wrong tree when he blames […]
[bark worse than one's bite] {informal}
Sound or speech more frightening or worse than your actions.
The small dog barks savagely, but his bark is worse than his bite.
* /The boss sometimes talks roughly to the men, but they know that his bark is […]