Idioms

An ironic phrase said to performers before they go on stage, wishing them good luck by seeming to wish the opposite.

Information obtained directly from the person or source with the most authority on it, rather than through rumour or second-hand report.

Thirteen of something rather than twelve, the extra item given as a small measure of good faith or generosity.

To get rid of something, refuse a customer service, cancel a plan, or mark a menu item as no longer available.

A display of insincere or feigned sorrow, put on to win sympathy or deflect blame while feeling no genuine grief at all.

The full monty means the complete amount, the whole thing, everything that is wanted or expected, with nothing left out.

“Cat got your tongue?” is a teasing question asked of someone who is unexpectedly silent, especially a child with nothing to say.

To bring home the bacon is to earn a living or achieve a decisive success, supplying what is needed through one’s efforts.

To ride shotgun is to occupy the front passenger seat beside the driver; more broadly, to accompany someone as a protective or supporting second.

A bigwig is an important, powerful or high-ranking person, especially one whose self-importance the speaker finds faintly ridiculous.