News writers often reach for idiomatic expressions to convey complex ideas quickly, add colour, or create a sense of immediacy. Many of these idioms are opaque their literal meanings give little clue to their figurative sense, especially for nonnative speakers or readers encountering them for the first time. Below is a compact guide to some of the most common opaque idioms that appear in newspapers, broadcast transcripts, and online news sites. Understanding them helps readers grasp the nuance behind headlines and commentary.
1. Bite the bullet
Used when someone accepts an unpleasant or painful step.
The government decided to bite the bullet and raise taxes next year.
2. Burn the midnight oil
Refers to working late into the night, often on a deadline.
Journalists are burning the midnight oil to cover the election results.
3. Coldsandwich (or cold sandwich)
A relatively recent phrase meaning a sudden, unexpected removal or dismissal, especially of a political figure.
The prime ministers abrupt resignation was a coldsandwich for the opposition.
4. Cut the Gordian knot
To solve a complex problem with a bold, decisive action.
The new trade agreement cuts the Gordian knot of tariff disputes.
5. Drop the ball
Fail to act when required; make a mistake.
The health ministry dropped the ball on the vaccine rollout.
6. Elephant in the room
An obvious problem or controversy that no one wants to discuss.
The rising cost of living is the elephant in the room for the upcoming budget debate.
7. Fly in the ointment
A minor flaw that spoils an otherwise good situation.
The strike is the only fly in the ointment for an otherwise successful summit.
8. Hit the nail on the head
To describe something with perfect accuracy.
When she said the policy was shortsighted, she hit the nail on the head.
9. In the pipeline
Something that is being prepared or will happen soon.
A series of infrastructure projects are in the pipeline for the next fiscal year.
10. Jump the gun
To start something prematurely.
The committee was accused of jumping the gun by announcing the findings before the full review.
11. Keep a low profile
Stay out of public view; avoid attracting attention.
After the scandal, the CEO kept a low profile for several weeks.
12. Leave no stone unturned
Make every possible effort; search thoroughly.
Investigators left no stone unturned in the search for the missing documents.
13. On the back burner
Put aside temporarily, give lower priority.
Education reform is now on the back burner while the budget crisis is addressed.
14. Pass the buck
Shift responsibility to someone else.
Critics say the mayor is passing the buck on the housing shortage.
15. Raise the bar
Increase standards or expectations.
The new climate targets raise the bar for all industrial sectors.
16. Run a tight ship
Manage an organization with strict discipline and efficiency.
The new manager runs a tight ship, cutting waste and improving output.
17. Shoot the messenger
Blame the bearer of bad news rather than the message itself.
Rather than shoot the messenger, the council should address the underlying budget shortfall.
18. Take with a grain of salt
Consider something skeptically; not accept it wholly.
The poll results should be taken with a grain of salt until the methodology is verified.
19. The writing on the wall
Clear signs that something is about to happen, often negative.
The slump in sales was the writing on the wall for the retailers future.
20. Turn the tide
Reverse a trend or situation.
New vaccination drives could turn the tide of the outbreak.
Why Opacity Matters
Opaque idioms work well in fastmoving news cycles because they compress complex ideas into familiar, vivid images. However, their figurative nature can confuse readers who lack cultural context. Recognising these idioms helps prevent misinterpretation and enhances critical reading. When an idiom appears, ask:
- What literal image is being invoked?
- What underlying situation does the idiom describe?
- Is the idiom being used neutrally, positively, or pejoratively?
Tips for Readers
- Spot the cue words. Phrases like according to, in the pipeline, or on the back burner often signal idioms.
- Look for contrast. Many idioms juxtapose opposing ideas (e.g., elephant in the room versus fly in the ointment).
- Check reliable dictionaries. Resources such as the Cambridge Dictionary or MerriamWebster often label idioms and give examples.
- Read the surrounding context. The sentence before and after usually clarifies the figurative meaning.
- Practice. Keep a personal list of idioms you encounter and review them regularly.
Further Exploration
For those interested in a deeper dive, consider these resources:
- PhraseFinder a searchable database of idioms and their origins.
- Cambridge Dictionary offers clear definitions and example sentences.
- NPR Education Section frequently explains idiomatic language in current events.
Understanding opaque idioms equips readers to navigate the vivid, metaphorrich language of modern news with confidence.
