50+ idioms and Phrases for competitive Exams

50+ idioms and Phrases for competitive Exams. Discover the most unique and interesting idioms and phrases with X, Y, and Z. Enhance your English vocabulary with these rare and trending expressions, explained with meanings and examples. Idioms and Phrases PDF, English idioms and phrases for daily use, idioms and phrases with examples

50+ idioms and Phrases for competitive Exams

🧠 Introduction

In the world of English idioms, expressions starting with X, Y, and Z are rare gems. These idioms might not be as common as those beginning with A or B, but they carry unique charm and can enhance your vocabulary, writing, and spoken English in impressive ways.

If you’re a student, language enthusiast, content creator, or preparing for competitive exams, this blog will help you learn unique idioms and phrases starting with X, Y, and Z — all while boosting your SEO knowledge and communication skills.

Let’s dive into these powerful expressions!

Idioms with X

Idioms with ‘X’ and Their Meanings

1. X marks the spot – The exact location of something important. Example: “We followed the treasure map, and X marks the spot where the gold is buried!”
2. Cross your X’s and dot your I’s – Pay attention to every detail. Example: “Before submitting your report, cross your X’s and dot your I’s to avoid mistakes.”
3. An unknown quantity (X factor) – A mysterious or unpredictable element. Example: “The new player is an unknown quantity; he could be our X factor in the match.”
4. X-rated – Something inappropriate for children, usually referring to movies or content. Example: “That movie is X-rated, so it’s not suitable for kids.”
5. Generation X – People born roughly between 1965 and 1980. Example: “Generation X grew up in a time of great technological changes.”
6. X-factor – A special talent or quality that makes someone unique. Example: “She has the X-factor that makes her stand out from the rest.”
7. X out – To eliminate or remove something. Example: “I need to X out the mistakes before submitting the final draft.”
8. Put an X through (something) – To cancel or reject something. Example: “We put an X through that plan because it wasn’t working.”
9. X-ray vision – The ability to see what others cannot, often used metaphorically. Example: “My mom has X-ray vision; she always knows when I’m lying!”
10. X marks the beginning – A way to indicate where something starts. Example: “The first chapter of this book is where X marks the beginning of the adventure.”
11. Find the missing X – A way to describe solving a puzzle or filling a crucial gap. Example: “His creativity helped him find the missing X in his business strategy.”
12. Triple-X effort – A way to describe something requiring extreme energy or intensity. Example: “He put in a triple-X effort to make his startup successful.”
13. Signed, sealed, and X-ed – Meaning something is officially completed or confirmed. Example: “His creativity ensures that every deal he makes is signed, sealed, and X-ed for success as an entrepreneur.”
14. X is the unknown – Refers to something mysterious or unpredictable. Example: “Success in business often depends on solving the X that is the unknown market demand.”
15. Cross your X’s before you leap – A twist on “cross your T’s and dot your I’s,” meaning to be thorough before making a decision. Example: “Before launching his startup, he made sure to cross his X’s before he leaped.”

Idioms With Y

Here are some idioms starting with the letter “Y”, along with their meanings and examples:

1. Yellow-bellied

• Meaning: Cowardly or lacking courage.
• Example: He was too yellow-bellied to stand up for himself in the argument.

2. You can’t have your cake and eat it too

• Meaning: You cannot have everything; making a choice means losing something else.
• Example: She wants to travel the world and save money at the same time, but you can’t have your cake and eat it too.

3. Your guess is as good as mine

• Meaning: I have no idea either.
• Example: “Do you know why the internet is so slow today?”
  – “Your guess is as good as mine.“

4. You can say that again

• Meaning: Used to strongly agree with what someone said.
• Example: “This weather is unbearably hot!”
  – “You can say that again!“

5. You reap what you sow

• Meaning: Your actions determine your future results.
• Example: He never studied, and now he has failed his exams. You reap what you sow.

6. Young at heart

• Meaning: Having a youthful spirit despite being older.
• Example: My grandfather is 80, but he’s still young at heart.

7. You scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours

• Meaning: If you help me, I will help you.
• Example: “I’ll help you with your project if you help me with mine.”
  – “You scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours.“

8. You can’t teach an old dog new tricks

• Meaning: It’s hard for people to change their habits or learn new skills.
• Example: My grandfather refuses to use a smartphone—you can’t teach an old dog new tricks.

9. Your heart is in the right place

• Meaning: Having good intentions, even if the outcome is not perfect.
• Example: He messed up the surprise party, but his heart was in the right place.

10. You made your bed, now lie in it

• Meaning: You must accept the consequences of your decisions.
• Example: He ignored all warnings about investing in that company, and now he’s lost all his money—he made his bed, now he has to lie in it.

11. You’re pulling my leg

• Meaning: You’re joking or teasing me.
• Example: “You won the lottery? You must be pulling my leg!”

12. You can’t judge a book by its cover

• Meaning: You shouldn’t judge someone or something just by appearance.
• Example: He may look serious, but he’s actually very funny. You can’t judge a book by its cover.

13. You’re barking up the wrong tree

• Meaning: You are making a mistake by directing your efforts or accusations in the wrong place.
• Example: If you think I stole your pen, you’re barking up the wrong tree.

14. Your days are numbered

• Meaning: Someone will soon face consequences, lose their position, or be in danger.
• Example: The manager found out about his lies, so his days are numbered at the company.

15. You can’t make an omelet without breaking eggs

• Meaning: Sometimes you have to face difficulties to achieve something.
• Example: If we want to renovate the house, we’ll have to deal with the mess. You can’t make an omelet without breaking eggs.

16. You snooze, you lose

• Meaning: If you’re too slow or don’t take action, you’ll miss the opportunity.
• Example: The concert tickets sold out in minutes. You snooze, you lose!

17. You light up my life

• Meaning: Someone makes you very happy and brings joy into your life.
• Example: “Ever since I met you, you light up my life.”

18. You’re in hot water

• Meaning: You’re in trouble.
• Example: He forgot his wife’s birthday, so now he’s in hot water.

19. You hit the nail on the head

• Meaning: You got something exactly right.
• Example: “I think the company is struggling because of poor management.”
  – “You hit the nail on the head!“

20. Your name is mud

• Meaning: You have a bad reputation because of something you did.
• Example: After spreading false rumors, his name is mud around the office.

Idioms with Z

Here are some idioms that start with or prominently feature the letter Z:

1. Zero in on – To focus closely on something.
   Example: The detective zeroed in on the main suspect.
2. Zip your lip – To stay silent or stop talking.
   Example: Mom told me to zip my lip when I started complaining.
3. Zigzag course – A path that is not straight but full of changes in direction.
   Example: His career took a zigzag course before he found his true passion.
4. Zone out – To stop paying attention or daydream.
   Example: I zoned out during the long meeting.
5. Zest for life – A strong enthusiasm and enjoyment of life.
   Example: She has a real zest for life and loves to travel.
6. Zero tolerance – A strict policy of not allowing any mistakes or rule-breaking.
   Example: The school has a zero tolerance policy for bullying.
7. Zipped past – To move quickly past something.
   Example: The motorbike zipped past us on the highway.
8. Zoom ahead – To make quick progress.
   Example: After years of struggle, his business finally zoomed ahead.

9. Zip along – To move quickly and smoothly.
   Example: The car zipped along the highway without any traffic.
10. Zig when you should zag – To make the wrong move or decision.
    Example: In business, you must be careful not to zig when you should zag.
11. Zero in (on something) – To adjust focus or target something precisely.
    Example: The team zeroed in on the main issue and found a solution.
12. Zonked out – To be extremely tired or exhausted.
    Example: After the long trip, I was completely zonked out.
13. Zing with energy – To be full of excitement or enthusiasm.
    Example: The concert zinged with energy, and the crowd loved it.
14. Zip through – To complete something quickly.
    Example: He zipped through the test in record time.
15. Zest and zeal – Great enthusiasm and passion for something.
    Example: She approached her new job with zest and zeal.
16. Zero hour – The time when something important is scheduled to happen.
    Example: The team was ready as zero hour approached.
17. Zebra crossing – A pedestrian crossing marked with white stripes.
    Example: Always use the zebra crossing for safety.
18. Zoom past – To go by very fast.
    Example: The runner zoomed past his competitors.

50+ idioms and Phrases for competitive Exams

✍️ Final Words

Idioms and phrases with X, Y, and Z may be rare, but they can add uniqueness and personality to your language. Whether you’re speaking casually or writing professionally, knowing these expressions will give you an edge.

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