An action that is committed without regret or remorse. For Example: If a killer shows no remorse for his crime, the judge might say “he killed in cold blood.”

If someone is covered with bruises they are said to be black and blue. This phrase is used to symbolize someone being bruised up even if they were not physically bruised up. For Example: if an investor lost a lot of money in the stock market, he might say “the market left me black and […]

To take on more responsibilities than you can handle. For Example: If you took too big of a bite, you might have to spit some back out. If you take on too many responsibilities, you “bit off more than you could chew” and might have to go back on a previous committment.

Possessing certain qualities which are needed. For Example: if the manager of a basketball team is looking for a powerful player over 7 feet tall and is introduced to someone who meets those critera, he might say “this player fits the bill.”

Something that is perceived to be a sure thing or very likely to happen or result in success. For Example: a boss could say to another boss, “let’s have Daniel handle the reorganizing of this department, he’s a safe bet.”

In a situation where you’re not sure which side to take, you take the side most favorable to the other party. For Example: A woman could tell her friend, “I thought my boyfriend was cheating on me, but he insisted that he wasn’t so I gave him the benefit of the doubt and stopped worrying […]

Having lost one’s sanity, particularly as a result of drug or alcohol use. For Example: “His excessive drinking is starting to send him round the bend.”

Those who are desperate are in no position to negotiate. For Example: if you gave a homeless person a candy bar and they asked for money instead, you could say, “beggars can’t be choosers!”

Disclosing some piece of information, usually a secret. For Example: If a friend was reluctant to divulge something to you, you could say, “oh c’mon, spill the beans!”

Preventing something unpleasant from coming too near to you for fear that it will harm you. For Example: If a coach was asked why he doesn’t play a particular player very often, he might say, “I’m keeping him at bay, I think it’s in the best interests of the team to do so.”