Idioms and Phrases 92

1. tail between his legs: completely humiliated.

• The Pakistani troops came before India tail between his legs after the second and final defeat in the last Indo-Pak-battle.

2. table-talk: friendly conversation.

• There is an urgent need of a table-talk between the ruling and other political parties for the working of the national uplift.

3. tall story: unbelievable story.

• The idea of building houses on the moon for living still seems to be a tall story.

4. a thorn in the flesh: an infliction to be endured.

• Rama’s exile was a thorn in the flesh for Kaushalya.

5. thunders of applause: outburst of praise.

• The five speaker received thunders of applause from the audience for his fluent speech.

6. Tom, Dick and Harry: all types of persons.

• It is much needed that a successful Prime Minister should be loved by each tom, dick and harry.

7. tooth and nail: fiercely.

• The last battle between India and Pakistan was fought tooth and nail in the Chhamb sector.

8. (at the) top of the tree: at the highest position of one’s profession.

• Gandhiji could not reach the top of the tree in his profession because his real interest was in politics.

9. (in a) towering rage: under extreme anger.

• The Superintendent of Jail fell in a towering rage when he came to know that the chief dacoit had run away.

10. tower of strength: a great support and help.

• Sardar Patel was regarded a tower of strength both for the people and the government.

11. trouble in store: trouble to come.

• There is a trouble in store in the economic field for the country if the rising prices and inflation are not checked.

12. twinkling of an eye: very quickly; in a moment.

• It was only in the twinkling of an eye that the child fell into the river and drowned.

13. two of a trade: rival experts.

• Tata and Birla are two of a trade in India.