AMERICAN IDIOMS (N)
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Idioms starting with N
Here is our list of popular "N" idioms that are used in American English:
Nail (someone) (v.): To catch (someone) *usually doing something illegal/wrong*, etc.); To bust (someone).
Example: "They nailed him for shoplifting."
Nail-biter (n.) : An exciting game where the outcome is uncertain until the very end.
Example: That game was a real nail biter."
Neck and neck:
Very close (almost even), as in a race.
Example: "The two candidates were running neck and neck a month before the election."
Neck of the woods: *somewhat antiquated*
Area. Part of a country.
Example: "What's happening in your neck of the woods?"
(To) need a hand:
To need help.
Example: "Do you need a hand? (Would you like some help?)"
Neither here nor there:
Not relevant.
Example: "All of a sudden he started talking about his car, a topic which was neither here nor there."
Nerd (n.): Similar to "geek", but it has a little more of a derogatory ( = negative) quality to it. Someone who is socially inept, preferring academic pursuits to social ones.
Nest egg:
Saved money.
Example: "He has saved up quite a nest egg. Pretty soon he'll be able to retire."
Never mind:
Don't worry about it.
Example: "Did you pick up my photos? Never mind, I'll do it myself tomorrow."
(To) nip something in the bud:
To end something at an early stage.
No-brainer(n.): Very easy question; a question/situation/dilemma which has an obvious/easy solution.
Example: "Well, if you ask me, it's a no-brainer. You should call her and apologize."
No laughing matter:
A very serious matter. Example: "Hey, why are you smiling? This is no laughing matter!"
No picnic:
Not easy. Very difficult and problematic.
Example: "Let me tell you, driving in that snowstorm was no picnic."
No rush:
You don't have to hurry.
Example: "P1: Do you want this done by this evening? P2: No, there's no rush. You can finish it tomorrow."
No skin off my nose:
I don't care because it doesn't affect me.
No sweat:
No problem.
No way: 1) Phrase used to say that something is definitely not going to happen.
Example: "P1: Are you going to see her again? P2: No way!"; 2) Phrase of awe/disbelief.
Example: "She gave you her phone number? No way!"
No wonder:
It's not surprising.
Example: "He only slept for two hours last night? No wonder he's so tired."
(To) not be born yesterday:
To be experienced, knowledgeable.
Example: "Of course I know that trick! I wasn't born yesterday."
(To) not have a prayer: To not have/stand a chance.
Example: "Your team? They don't have a prayer or winning."
Not in the least:
Not at all.
Example: "P1: Were you surprised that he failed the FCE? P2: Not in the least."
Not likely:
Probably will not happen.
Example: "P1: You think George will learn a lesson from this? P2: Not likely."
(To) not like the looks of (someone/something): To not like the way something looks because you think it might lead to something negative.
Examples: "I don't like the looks of those clouds." (because they might bring rain), "I don't like the looks of those kids." (because they look like they might cause trouble).
Not much of:
Pretty bad.
Example: "I'm not much of a dancer."
(To) not put (something) past (someone): To believe that someone is capable of doing something.
Example: "Would he tell the police? I wouldn't put it past him!" (Yes, I believe that he is capable of doing this.)
Now and then:
Occasionally. Now and again.
