English Idioms and Idiomatic Expressions

Alphabetical List of Idioms - Q

Idioms Q : from: 'in a quagmire' to: 'call it quits'

(be) in a quagmire
- If you are in a quagmire, you are in a complicated, awkward or precarious situation that is difficult to deal with (like being trapped in a muddy swamp).
  "Their father left a will that was so complex that the children found themselves in a legal quagmire.
quaking in one's boots
- When someone is extremely scared, it is said that they are quaking in their boots.
  "When Mike saw the crocodiles in the water, he started quaking in his boots."
in a quandary
- If you are in a quandary, you find it difficult to decide what to do.
  "The job offered is less interesting but better paid. I'm in a quandary about what to do."
(put a) quart into a pint pot
- To say that you can't put a quart into a pint pot means that you cannot fit something too big into a small space, or that you are trying to do something impossible.
  "You'll never get that into the suitcase. You can't put a quart into a pint pot!"
quick temper
- Someone who has a quick temper gets angry very easily.
  "The manager makes me nervous - he's got such a quick temper."
on the QT (the first and last letters of 'quiet')
- If something is done on the QT, it is done quietly or in a secretive manner.
  "They got married on the QT last summer and told nobody."
quick and dirty
- A hasty method or solution, usually cheap and temporary, that is not without flaws, is referred to as quick and dirty.
  "Tom refused the quick-and-dirty repair job proposed by the builder. He wanted the roof to comply with the specifications in the contract."
quick as a dog can lick a dish
- If you do something surprisingly fast, you do it as quick as a dog can lick a dish.
  "He packed his bag as quick as a dog can lick a dish."
quick as a flash
- If you do something quick as a flash, you do it very quickly.
  "Quick as a flash, the boy snatched the man’s wallet and jumped off the bus."
(no) quick fix
- To say that there is no quick fix to a problem means that there is no simple solution.
  "There is no quick fix for unemployment; major reforms are necessary."
quick off the mark
- If someone is quick off the mark, they are quick to react to an event or take advantage of an opportunity.
  "You've got to be quick off the mark when stores announce special offers."
quick/slow on the uptake
- Someone who is quick or slow on the uptake is quick or slow to understand what is meant.
  "Please explain the problem in simple words - I'm a bit slow on the uptake!"
quiet as a mouse
- When someone is as quiet as a mouse, they make no noise at all.
  "The burglar was as quiet as a mouse as he moved around the house."
call it quits
- When people temporarily stop doing something or put an end to an activity, they call it quits.
  "OK, we're all exhausted, so let's call it quits for today."

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