| Idiom |
Where Used |
Meaning |
|---|
| each to one's own |
Global |
Different people have different preferences (Typically to each his own) |
| eagle eyes, eagle eyed |
AUS, UK, USA |
Someone who sees everything, someone who notices things (typically physical objects or people at a distance) more easily than others. |
| eat crow |
|
To suffer humiliation and/or reluctantly admit defeat. Came about during the Revolutionary War when a soldier was forced to eat a crow. Soldiers try to avoided eating crow because it tastes horrible.Template:citeneeded |
| eat humble pie |
AUS, UK |
To suffer humiliation and/or reluctantly admit defeat. |
| eat, sleep, and breathe (something) |
Global |
To love something so much as to think about it constantly. |
| eat your heart out |
Global |
Bitterness or pain of longing for something out of reach. |
| (to have) egg on one's face |
Global |
To be embarrassed |
| elephant in the room |
UK, USA |
The problem or situation immediately obvious to all, but spoken of by none. Usually the topic in question is emotionally charged and so felt by most involved to be best ignored. (Similar to "let's not discuss the 500 pound gorilla in the corner") |
| eleventh hour |
Global |
The last minute |
| (the) end justifies the means |
Global |
A good result will (or should) atone for any unethical actions which were taken to get there |
| even Stevens |
Global |
When everything is equal among people |
| every dog has his day "or" every dog has its day |
Global |
Every creature has its moment of power or influence, or its ability to be noticed. It is sometimes used also to express karma, revenge or a concept similar to "the worm has turned". |
| every man and his dog |
Global |
A lot of people. |
| every man for himself |
Global |
Used of persons trying to save themselves from a difficult situation while ignoring the needs of everyone else |
| excused boots |
UK |
Allowed to avoid doing something that is mandatory for other people. From military usage, where a serviceman with a foot condition was allowed to attend parade and execute other duties in soft shoes rather than boots. |
| explore all avenues |
AUS, UK, USA |
To try everything, for a possibility that one will obtain the right result |
| eye for an eye |
Global |
Equal justice; the punishment dealt to the criminal is exactly the same as the harm which he/she caused to the victim. Originates from the Bible book of Exodus. Also known as lex talionis |