Important Idioms and Phrases starting with “C”

Idioms and Phrases

Meaning

Sentence

Cannot stomach someone or something

not to be able to tolerate or endure someone

My sister cannot stomach violent movies. ­­­­­

Can of worms

A situation that, once started, is likely to become problematic or have a negative outcome.

Getting involved in the minor border conflict has become a can of worms for the country, with no end to the military engagement in sight

Can't cut the mustard

Someone who isn't adequate to compete or participate

The new servant keeps mixing up orders and just can't cut the mustard.

Can't see the woods for the trees

Cannot see, understand, or focus on a situation in its entirety due to being preoccupied with minor details

The new manager found the situation so complicated that he couldn't see the wood for the trees.

Carried all before one's

to overcome all obstacles; to have uninterrupted success.

Wherever she addressed public meetings she carried all before her.

Carried off his feet

to fill with enthusiasm

He was carried off his feet when he was declared to have won the first prize.

Carrot and Stick

motivational tactic that uses a reward and punishment system to encourage improved performance or behavior

Companies are slowly learning that the carrot and stick approach to management is ineffective, employees are much more motivated to do a better job when they are recognized for their hard work

Carry someone away

Fill with emotion

The fervour of the speech carried away the whole crowd.

Carve out a niche

If you carve a niche or carve out a niche for yourself, you create a role or opportunity for yourself.

In today's competitive market it's better to carve out a niche and try to become the best in that area

Cash Cow

A good way to make money /A business or investment that generates a large or consistent profit

When Bob purchased stock in that software company 10 years ago, he never expected it to become such a cash cow.

Cast Iron Stomach

The ability to eat foods that others may find unusual, unpalatable, or too spicy

The author claims that he has given chapter and verse for every statement made in his book.

Cause a stir

to create an atmosphere of excitement or great interest.

The arrival of the actress caused quite a stir in the village.

Chapter and Verse

In thorough and exact detail/The precise authority backing up a statement or view

The author claims that he has given chapter and verse for every statement made in his book

Chase Rainbows

To constantly pursue things that are unrealistic or unlikely to happen.

She's trying to get into Harvard University but as I know her very closely, I think she's chasing rainbows.

Chew someone out

Verbally Scold Someone

It is not an easy task to Chew Someone Out when that person happens to be elder than you.

Chicken out of something

To refuse to do something due to fear (real or perceived).

He decided to join a karate class but chickened out of it at the last minute!

Chime in

To join in a discussion about something; to offer one's thoughts

As I explained to the bus driver what had happened, the other passengers chimed in and gave their version.

Chop and Change

If you chop and change, you constantly change your opinion, plans or methods and often cause confusion

Don't chop and change all the time - just make up your mind!

Chow Down

To eat, often quickly or enthusiastically

Gita commented 'That's the way to Chow Down' when she beat all the contestants in a burger eating competition

Close but no cigar

an effort to do something which was a good attempt but not quite good enough to succeed/Fall just short of a successful outcome and get nothing for your efforts

The ball touched the goal post - close but no cigar!