Common Phrases And Sayings Starting With "B"
Learn English and International Phrases and Sayings
Bored To Death
"Bored to death" is an idiomatic expression used to describe a strong feeling of extreme boredom, as if one were slowly being killed by it. It implies that someone is so incredibly bored that it feels almost unbearable or suffocating.
Born And Bred
"Born and bred" refers to someone who was born and raised in a particular place or environment. It indicates that the person has strong connections or roots to that location. For example, "She is a Londoner through and through, born and bred in the city."
Born And Raised
"Born and raised" refers to the place where someone was born and spent their early life growing up. It indicates that the person has strong connections or roots in that particular location. For example, "I was born and raised in New York City."
Bosnia And Herzegovina
Bosnia and Herzegovina is a country located in Southeast Europe, on the Balkan Peninsula. It is officially known as the Bosnia and Herzegovina Federation, and it consists of two entities: the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Republika Srpska. Sarajevo is its capital and largest city. The country has a complex history and is known for its cultural diversity, beautiful landscapes, and a mix of Slavic, Ottoman, and Austro-Hungarian influences.
Boston Tea Party
The Boston Tea Party was a significant event in American history that took place on December 16, 1773. It involved a group of colonists, known as the Sons of Liberty, who protested against British taxation policies by throwing tea from British ships into the Boston Harbor without permission. This act of defiance was a key moment that contributed to the growing tensions between the American colonies and the British government, ultimately leading up to the American Revolution.
Both Of Them
The phrase "both of them" refers to an expression used when referring to two people or things that are being considered together as a pair or collective unit. It implies that the discussion or consideration includes both entities mentioned. For example, if someone says, "Both of them agreed on the plan," it means that both individuals involved have given their consent.
Both Of Us
The phrase "both of us" refers to both individuals involved in a conversation or situation, indicating that the action or statement applies to both parties equally. It implies a shared experience or involvement.
Bouvier Des Flandres
The Bouvier des Flandres is a breed of dog originating from the Flanders region in Belgium. They were traditionally used as farm dogs, herding livestock, and performing various tasks such as draft work and guarding properties. They are known for their strong, rugged appearance, and dense coat, typically with black or gray fur. Today, they are also popular as family companions and sometimes serve as police or service dogs.
Bow And Arrow
A bow and arrow is a traditional hunting tool consisting of a long, flexiblebow made from a composite or wooden material, which is bent to store potential energy. It is paired with an arrow, typically made of a shaft, fletching (feathers), and a sharp point or broadhead, used for shooting at targets or hunting game. The action involves drawing the bowstring back, aiming, and releasing the arrow to propel it forward.
Bow And Scrape
"Bow and scrape" is an idiomatic expression that refers to showing excessive or exaggerated respect, often in a subservient or fawning manner. It typically implies that someone is being overly deferential or groveling to another person, usually to gain favor or avoid conflict.
Brave New World
"Brave New World" is a phrase taken from the title of a dystopian novel written by Aldous Huxley in 1932. The book imagines a futuristic society where science and technology have been used to create an ordered, controlled, and seemingly perfect world. However, this world lacks individuality, emotions, and personal freedom. The phrase "Brave New World" has come to represent any seemingly utopian or technologically advanced society that may have unforeseen negative consequences for human nature or personal liberties.
Bread And Butter
"Bread and butter" is a phrase that typically refers to one's primary source of income or livelihood. It metaphorically signifies what keeps a person financially stable, just as bread and butter are basic and essential components of a meal. For example, "Teaching is my bread and butter," means that teaching is the occupation that provides the speaker with their main income.
Break The Ice
To "break the ice" is an idiomatic expression that means to do or say something to relax and ease tension in a group of people, often in a social or formal setting, such as a meeting or party. It is used to create a more comfortable and friendly atmosphere by doing something lighthearted or entertaining, such as telling a joke, sharing a humorous story, or asking an icebreaker question. The goal is to help people feel more at ease and build rapport with each other.
Bricks And Mortar
The phrase "bricks and mortar" refers to the physical structure or building materials of a house, typically used to describe the solid, tangible components that form a solid foundation or construction. It can also metaphorically imply the more concrete or traditional aspects of a business or project, as opposed to the intangible or digital elements.
Bride To Be
A bride-to-be is a woman who is engaged to be married and is in the process of planning her wedding. It refers to the future wife, typically before the wedding day.
Brides To Be
The phrase "brides to be" refers to women who are engaged or about to get married, and are in the process of planning their weddings. They are future brides.
Bridge Of Sighs
The "Bridge of Sighs" is a famous bridge in Venice, Italy, connecting the Doge's Palace to the New Prison. The name comes from the legend that it was the last view of Venice that convicts saw before being taken to prison, hence they would sigh at the sight, either out of sadness or regret. The bridge itself is an elegant, enclosed stone passageway with small windows, designed in the 17th century. Today, it is a popular tourist attraction and a symbol of Venice.
Brie De Meaux
Brie de Meaux is a type of French cheese made from cow's milk. It is a soft, creamy cheese with a white rind and a mild, earthy flavor. Brie de Meaux is named after the town of Meaux in the Île-de-France region of France, where it has been produced for centuries. It is considered to be one of the finest and most prestigious types of Brie cheese, known for its rich, buttery flavor and smooth, spreadable texture.
Bring Home The Bacon
The phrase "bring home the bacon" means to earn or provide the main source of income or financial support for a household. It is often used metaphorically to express the importance of earning money to support one's family.
Bru Na Boinne
"Bru Na Boinne" is an Irish phrase that refers to a Neolithic monument complex located in County Meath, Ireland. It is also known as the Brú na Bóinne Archaeological Ensemble. The name translates to "Palace of the Boyne" in English, and it is primarily associated with three major sites: Newgrange, Knowth, and Dowth. These sites are famous for their ancient passage tombs, particularly Newgrange, which is aligned with the winter solstice sunrise. Bru Na Boinne is a significant historical and cultural site, showcasing the architectural and astronomical knowledge of the people who built it around 5,000 years ago.
Brush Up On
The phrase "brush up on" means to review or study something again in order to improve your knowledge, skills, or understanding of a particular subject. It implies that you might have forgotten some aspects or want to freshen up your memory before using or applying it.
Bureau De Change
A "bureau de change" is a place where people can exchange one currency for another, typically found at airports, banks, or in tourist areas. It is also known as a currency exchange or foreign exchange office.
Bureaux De Change
A bureau de change is a place, typically a small shop, where currency exchange services are offered. It allows people to convert one currency into another, often at a slightly lower than the official exchange rate, to facilitate international transactions or travel.
Burj Al Arab
The Burj Al Arab is a luxurious hotel located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It is known for its iconic sail-shaped building and is often referred to as the world's most luxurious hotel. It offers premium amenities, fine dining, and exceptional service, symbolizing opulence and modern architecture.
Burst Into Tears
"Burst into tears" means to suddenly start crying heavily or uncontrollably. It often expresses an intense emotional response, such as sadness, surprise, or relief.
Bury St Edmunds
Bury St Edmunds is a historic market town in Suffolk, England. It is named after Saint Edmund, an East Anglian king who was martyred in the 9th century and later became the patron saint of England. The town is known for its abbey ruins, beautiful architecture, and its role in the medieval period.
Butte Des Morts
"Butte des Morts" is a French phrase that translates to "Hill of the Dead" in English. It refers to a geographical location, often a hill or a mound associated with a burial site or an area with historical significance regarding deaths or casualties.
By All Means
The phrase "by all means" is an idiomatic expression used to indicate agreement, encouragement, or permission. It means "certainly," "go ahead," or "feel free to do so." For example, if someone says, "Would you like to join us for dinner?" and you respond with "By all means," you are expressing that you would be happy to come.
By And By
The phrase "by and by" means "eventually" or "in the future, after some time has passed." It is often used to indicate that something will happen at a later stage or after completing a current task or situation.
By And Large
"By and large" is an idiomatic expression that means "generally speaking" or "overall". It is used to indicate that something is true or applicable in most cases, but not necessarily in every single instance.
By Means Of
The phrase "by means of" is a prepositional phrase that indicates the method, tool, or way through which something is done or achieved. It suggests that an action is carried out using a particular approach or instrument. For example, "I learned to play the piano by means of private lessons." In this context, it implies that the person acquired their skills through the guidance of a private tutor.
By No Means
"By no means" means "not at all" or "certainly not," indicating that something is definitely not the case or is not acceptable.
By The Sound Of It
This is an idiomatic phrase that means "by what you say" or "by your words". It is often used to indicate that someone is making a claim or assertion, and it is up to others to judge the validity or accuracy of that claim based on their words alone. In other words, the phrase is saying that the speaker is relying solely on their verbal statement, without providing any further evidence or proof.
By The Time
"By the time" refers to a point in the future when a certain event or action will have taken place or been completed. It is often used to indicate that something else will happen as a result or in relation to that completed event. For example:<br><br>- "By the time I finish my studies, I hope to have gained extensive knowledge in my field."<br>- "By the time you arrive, the cake should be fully baked."<br><br>In both sentences, "by the time" sets a timeline for the events and shows the expected outcome at that particular point.
By The Way
"By the way" is an idiomatic expression used to introduce a related or unrelated point, comment, or question in a conversation. It serves as a transition to shift the topic or add additional information.
By Way Of
The phrase "by way of" means "as a means of" or "through" when referring to a method or route taken to reach a destination. It can also imply that something is being mentioned incidentally or as a side note. For example, "I came by way of the park" would mean the person took a path through the park to get there.