Idioms based on Nature 1

can’t see the wood for the trees

too focussed on specific details to see the picture as a whole

touch wood

wish for good luck (usually accompanied by actually touching something made of wood)

a needle in a haystack

very difficult if not impossible to find something amongst all around it

the last straw

the final problem or issue that makes someone lose their temper or brought about the collapse of something

out of the woods

emerged safely from a dangerous situation (this idiom is most often used in the negative)

put out to pasture

someone forced to resign or give up some responsibilities

get the wrong end of the stick

misunderstand a situation or an issue

shrinking violet

a shy person who doesn’t express their views or opinions

turf war

people or organisations fighting for control of something

thorn in the side

someone/thing that causes trouble or makes things difficult for someone

gone to seed

declined in quality and/or appearance

barking up the wrong tree

to have completely misunderstood something/to be totally wrong

coming up roses

a positive result, especially after a bad start

hit the hay

go to bed

grasp the nettle

go through temporary pain to bring about the right conclusion

don’t let the grass grow under your feet

do not delay taking action

nip it in the bud

deal with a problem whilst it’s small before it becomes serious

oops a daisy

an expression of surprise, usually after tripping up

old chestnut

something that has been repeated so many times that it has lost its impact

turn over a new leaf

improve behaviour/change your ways for the better