This is the eighth of twelve pages (8/12) of alphabetically organized idiomatic expressions. These expressions begin with the letter P. At the bottom of the page, you’ll find a challenging quiz about these idiomatic expressions.
- part with – to give something away or let go of it, often reluctantly.
Example: He couldn’t part with his old guitar, even though he never played it. - pass up – to decline or not take advantage of an opportunity.
Example: She passed up the job offer because it didn’t include health benefits. - pass with flying colors – to succeed or do very well, especially on a test or evaluation.
Example: He passed the exam with flying colors. - pat oneself on the back – to praise or congratulate oneself.
Example: She patted herself on the back for finishing the project ahead of schedule. - pay attention – to focus or concentrate on something.
Example: Please pay attention to the instructions before you begin. - pick out – to choose or select from a group.
Example: He picked out a blue tie to wear to the interview. - pick up (1) – to lift or collect something.
Example: I’ll pick up the groceries on my way home. - pick up (2) – to learn something casually or naturally.
Example: She picked up some Spanish while traveling in Mexico. - pick up the tab (for) – to pay the bill, especially at a restaurant.
Example: He picked up the tab for the entire dinner party. - the picture of – a perfect example or image of something.
Example: She was the picture of elegance in her evening gown. - play it by ear – to improvise or decide what to do as a situation develops.
Example: We don’t have a plan yet; let’s just play it by ear. - play it safe – to be cautious and avoid taking risks.
Example: He decided to play it safe and bring an umbrella just in case. - point out – to show or call attention to something.
Example: She pointed out the error in the report. - a pretty penny – a large amount of money; expensive.
Example: That designer bag cost her a pretty penny. - pull one’s leg – to joke or tease someone in a playful way.
Example: I was just pulling your leg—I didn’t really win the lottery. - push one’s luck – to continue taking risks or asking for more until something goes wrong.
Example: You’ve already gotten away with it—don’t push your luck. - put aside – to save or reserve something for future use.
Example: He puts aside a little money each month for emergencies. - put away – to store or tidy something in its usual place.
Example: Please put away your toys after playing. - put off – to delay or postpone something.
Example: She put off going to the dentist for months. - put on – to dress in or wear something.
Example: He put on his jacket before leaving the house. - put together – to assemble or create something by combining parts.
Example: We put together a bookshelf from the kit. - put up with – to tolerate or endure something unpleasant.
Example: I can’t put up with his bad attitude any longer.
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