Appendix:Glossary of idioms – L

      Here are some editors' picks of popular and picturesque idioms in the English language:  A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
      Idiom Where Used Meaning
      lah-di-dah AUS, UK Assuming manners and customs above one's social station. See also: airs and graces.
      larger than life USA More impressive or outstanding than is common.
      last but not least Global Things are not necessarily in order of importance. Often introduces the strongest point in an argument, the last point of a message, or the last person to be formally introduced. Sometimes spitefully or facetiously reversed (e.g. "Last and definitely the least").
      (the) last straw Global A problem or obstacle that may be trivial in itself, but causes cataclysmic failure because it pushes the total array of problems or obstacles to an intolerable level. Also referred to as the Straw that broke the camel's back, after the original proverb: a straw by itself has an insignificant weight, but enough of them together can be a crushing weight. Another variant is the "drop that broke the dam."
      lead someone on USA to deceive someone in order to get what you want from them. To feign interest, possibly in a relationship with someone with ulterior motives.
      leave a light on; leave the light on Global Waiting for someone particular to arrive or something particular to happen.
      let off steam Global See blow off steam.
      let the cat out of the bag Global Reveal a big secret, usually without the intention to.
      (the) lights are on, but no one's home Global Said of a person that is lacking intellect and/or sanity, even if they may appear at first to possess full mental faculties. Like "two bricks short of a load", there are endless variations, based around the metaphor of a machine or a system that is not operating as it should. ("His elevator doesn't stop at all floors.")
      like a moth to a flame Global Strongly attracted to something, regardless of likely negative consequence.
      like father, like son Global In the same manner and likeness from generation to generation. Variation: "Like mother, like daughter."
      like shooting fish in a barrel AUS, UK, USA (esp. Southern or Western) Very easily done.
      like taking candy from a baby AUS, UK, USA Very easily done.
      lion's den Global Any dangerous or frightening place.
      (a) little bird told me Global A source who cannot or will not be identified gave this information.
      living in a cloud USA Having unrealistic or foolish beliefs or plans.
      living in Cloud-cuckooland AUS, UK Having unrealistic or foolish beliefs or plans.
      living under a rock AUS, USA Ignorant of common knowledge or major events/trends. ("Have you been living under a rock?")
      loan shark Global A predatory lender, usually one that charges inordinately high interest (usury).
      look what the cat dragged in USA An expression used to indicate someone unwelcome has arrived.
      loose cannon Global A reckless individual
      lose one's nerve Global To become frightened or timid, or to lose courage.
      Last modified on 26 April 2012, at 09:00