Etched in stone: Things, particularly rules, which cannot be changed under any circumstances.

Even a stopped clock is right twice a day: Used to refer to people becoming lucky by chance.

Even keel: When something is on an even keel, it is balanced.

Every dog has its day: Everyone gets their moment of glory and success.

Every man for himself: When people try to take care of themselves in a difficult situation but they don’t help others.

Every man has his price: Everyone’s support can be bought at a certain price or if one is ready to pay them  enough.

Every trick in the book: In all possible ways, even dishonest ones.

Everything but the kitchen sink: It means everything is included, even if not all of it is useful.

Exception that proves the rule: An exception in some way confirms a rule.

Explore all avenues: To try all possible ways to get the desired result.

Eye candy: An attractive person.

Eyewash: Actions or remarks intended to conceal the facts of a situation.

Eye-opener: Surprising and unexpected event that brings out the truth about something or someone.

Face like thunder: To be very angry and upset.

Face only a mother could love: To be ugly.

Face the music: To accept and face the unpleasant consequence or result of something.

Face value: The appearance of something/someone, and when one takes something at face value, it means it is being accepted for what it appears to be rather than its inner characteristics.

Face your demons: To face and accept one’s fears or things that one has been trying hard to avoid.

Failure is the mother of success: It is only after a failure that we strive towards success.

Fair and square: To win this way is to win by following the rules properly and winning conclusively.

Fair weather friend: Friends who are only around in good times.

Fall by the wayside: To remain incomplete.

Fall from grace: To be disgraced or to lose favour with someone.

Fall on your sword: To resign and accept the consequences of some wrongdoing. In olden days when warriors lost in a battle, they preferred to kill themselves by their own swords rather than be captured by the enemy.

Familiarity breeds contempt: On getting to know someone or something too well, you also get to know their faults and start disliking them.

Far cry from: A thing that is very different from something, e.g. “The game he played today was a far cry from his best performance.”

— Ahzam Ahmed

Opinion

Editorial

Slow start
Updated 15 Jun, 2024

Slow start

Despite high attendance, the NA managed to pass only a single money bill during this period.
Sindh lawlessness
Updated 15 Jun, 2024

Sindh lawlessness

A recently released report describes the law and order situation in Karachi as “worryingly poor”.
Punjab budget
15 Jun, 2024

Punjab budget

PUNJAB’S budget for 2024-25 provides much fodder to those who believe that the increased provincial share from the...
Budget and politics
Updated 14 Jun, 2024

Budget and politics

PML-N, scared of taking bold steps lest it loses whatever little public support it has, has left its traditional support — traders — virtually untouched.
New talks?
14 Jun, 2024

New talks?

WILL this prove another false start, or may we expect a more sincere effort this time? Reference is made to the...
A non-starter
14 Jun, 2024

A non-starter

WHILE the UN Security Council had earlier this week adopted a US-backed resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza...