Example: You can imagine Alfred as the wallflower at the school dance, smiling a secret smile to himself as he watches others. Living the dream. Our team will review it before it's shown to our readers. And when the whole place is full of dry rot and ghosts and old bones and the shelves are breaking down with old wormy books that no one could read if they tried, and the attic floors are bulging through the servants' ceilings with old trunks and top-boots and gasoliers and dressmaker's dummies and ball frocks and dolls-houses and pony saddles and blunderbusses and parrot cages and uniforms and love letters and jugs without handles and bridal pots decorated with forget-me-nots and a piece out at the bottom, that it grows into a real old faith, a masterpiece which people can really get something out of, each for himself. Marcus is so focused on product details that he cant see the wood for the trees when it comes to the overall needs of the company. It's a honey of an O, it's Honey Nut Cheerios ( Cheerios advertising slogan ) Kernel of truth. To enjoy or appreciate what is often ignored. with seed. Thanks for sharing this. Wow, Tim's really started going to seed ever since he had kids. Garden/Gardening Leave This is to be off work while still getting fully paid. Do please share below. To introduce an idea to one; to cause one to begin considering or thinking about something. The candidate was doing very well in the polls six months ago, but it seems that this smear campaign has been effective in sowing a seed of doubt in the minds of voters. I only use the finest ingredients when I bake. Example: Marcus is so focused on product details that he cant see the wood for the trees when it comes to the overall needs of the company. Seeded - Idioms by The Free Dictionary //]]>. for a situation to develop in a favourable way. Hope, Spring, Garden. To put someone to bed with a shovel is to kill and bury them. 3. All content on this website, including dictionary, thesaurus, literature, geography, and other reference data is for informational purposes only. The lettuce went to seed and we couldn't eat it. To do something that ensures a certain outcome in the future, especially an unfortunate or tragic one. Australia, Leverage Edu Tower, Plants like that ought not to be allowed to go to seed. This may appear to be a lot of work, but idioms are fun! The lettuce went to seed and we couldn't eat it. The over-zealous policing of opposing opinions has planted the seeds of discontent among the population. 2. , "I met Molly the other day. "I feel like our marriage is at breaking point. Meaning: Pass off something as genuine when it is spurious.Example: This shopkeeper always palms off old stock to the customers. Time is needed for democracy to take root in her country. It is also said as green fingers. 2. This is God's universe and he is the master gardener of all. Bumper crop of gardening idioms for you to pick from - Every Word Counts I often have a bag of polly seeds on hand in case I need a quick snack on the go. Wake up. Meaning: Has more important work to do.Example: Please dont bother me today with any calls, I have bigger fish to fry. Shelley would be stunned; The dullest Tommy hugs that fancy now. It can also mean to appreciate things that are usually not given attention. }); Meaning: To give something a try.Example: I am absolutely terrified of skydiving, but I think once in my life, I will give it a whirl. What is an idiom? Life may grow from it as from a seed., Yes, we have different viewpoints represented among us," she continued. The idiom: Les carottes sont cuites! Idioms can also be used to convey sarcasm or puns. To suppress, stop or destroy something at an early stage. 1. . Plants like that ought not to be allowed to go to seed. The over-zealous policing of opposing opinions has sown the seeds of discontent among the population. idioms. Photo: Shutterstock. Or any other gardening idioms you think should be included? This information should not be considered complete, up to date, and is not intended to be used in place of a visit, consultation, or advice of a legal, medical, or any other professional. phrases. A very small, painful callous that typically appears on the weight-bearing part of one's foot. Photo: Shutterstock. Meaning: To be so involved in trivial matters that you dont get the important facts.Example: He always argues on the silliest topics, its like he cant see wood for the trees. (images courtesy of Feelart,rakratchada torsap,adamr and Simon Howden via Freedigitalphotos.net). Example: While leaving for Shimla, Harshit kept his mobile phone charger in the bag at the 11th hour. "Seeds have the power to preserve species, to enhance cultural as well as genetic diversity, to counter economic monopoly and to check the advance of conformity on all its many fronts." Michael Pollan, Second Nature: A Gardener's Education tags: diversity , garden , gardening , nature , nonconformity , preservation , seeds 31 likes Like All content on this website, including dictionary, thesaurus, literature, geography, and other reference data is for informational purposes only. It's going to seed. Photo: Shutterstock, Cant see the wood for the trees (in the US: cant see the forest for the trees). Glad you enjoyed the post. The over-zealous policing of opposing opinions has sown the seeds of discontent among the population. Every desirable situation has its share of trouble or difficulty. If you rake someone over the coals, you get angry and reprimand them very strongly. Example: Its important to take some time once in a while to stop and smell the roses. Meaning: Experiencing strong feelings like anger or stressExample: Shina went running to blow off steam as she had a huge fight with mother. Go to seed - Idioms by The Free Dictionary So deadly. 2. 3. Meaning: A really good invention.Example: Bluetooth is officially the best thing since sliced bread. Meaning: To pursue a mistaken or misguided thought or action. Jim's suspicious behavior sowed a seed of doubt in Jenny's mind about his fidelity. Discuss a matter without coming to the point. The hens got loose and ate up all of our seed corn. To introduce an idea to someone with the intention of making them more likely to eventually support or agree with it. Meaning: To talk about unnecessary things. Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant., Cry. Ive heard enough birdseed here to last for a lifetime. Meaning: Expressing yourself too openlyExample: She wears her heart on her sleeve and often gets hurt. Colour idioms to make people green with envy. A society that's unwilling to invest in its future is a society that's living off capital. Meaning: A life filled with excitement.Example: When Chris turned forty, he decided to live his life in the fast lane and quit his job for his hobbies. I loved this compilation! The Idioms - Largest Idiom Dictionary | Global Site Meaning: To face a risk.Example: He belled the cat when he was trying to escape the prison. Meaning: Important family characteristics are usually inherited. A shy, awkward, or unpopular person who is often excluded. suggest new. To cause someone to have certain thoughts or feelings, usually negative ones. Just planting a seed so she might be open to it down the line. I am sure Robert's business will flourish. Henry Fielding used the term figuratively in an essay of 1740: For Virtue itself by growing too exuberant and . Its raining cats and dogs is an idiom, it means it is raining very hard. She has really run to seed in the last few months. Example: Mandy was a late bloomer; it wasnt until she got to university that her talents in arts became apparent. Going to seed - Idioms by The Free Dictionary The report painted a depressing picture of an America going to seed, its bridges and roads falling apart, its national parks neglected. I had planted the seeds of doubt in their minds. . When I knew John, he was a total hayseed, but I guess he's converted to city life now. Continue with Recommended Cookies. So other great dream idioms include: The American dream. It's essentially the verbal equivalent of using the wrong math formula but still getting the correct answer. Example: Ken was up a gum tree when flights were cancelled due to a huge blizzard and he couldnt go home. Meaning: To enjoy or appreciate what is often ignored. Meaning: Tired; giving up.Example: My pet dog is down for the count after playing the whole day with the frisbee. Meaning: That someone is intentionally investing his time or money for a particular project or task.Example: When Athlead was booming, Jim was in for a penny and in for a pound, thats how much dedicated he was. Meaning: Being a disgrace for the family.Example: They dont talk about Olive anymore, turns out he was the Black sheep for the family, he married someone else while he was still arranged to his fianc. Food idioms that will spice up your writing. It will help me. Go against the grain. Here's our blog on 50 difficult words with meanings for you to master your speaking skills now! Every child is a grain of mustard seedat once relatively small in the scope of the world, but having within them the power to shape the very course of human existence. } Meaning: Saying good luck to someone.Example: Hey Barry, its time for you to get on the stage and present your monologue, break a leg. TOP 25 FLOWER QUOTES (of 1000) | A-Z Quotes The idiom: Se regarder en chiens de faence. Black mustard seed grows to a great height. https://idioms.thefreedictionary.com/sow+the+seeds. This is a great post. He was big and fleshy, like an athlete gone to seed. Money used to start a business or other venture. to sow or scatter (seed). An idiom is a group of words, a saying, or a phrase with a symbolic rather than literal meaning that is accepted in common usage. Example: This painting was M.F Hussains swan song. Jeremy is really a bad seed. Tommy is pleased to have finally turned over a new leaf and is looking forward to his new job. "Pushing up daisies," is their creed, you know. I like it. Meaning: In a precarious or risky situation.Example: Andy played hooky from work for a week saying he was sick, now his boss said that he is on very thin ice. Freshwater, Sydney, NSW 2096, To plant a seed is to start something in the hope it will grow to something much bigger in the future. Be in the bag Meaning: Success is evident Example: Victory seems to be in the bag for the Conservatives. Example: Its all well and good for these companies to claim that theyre going to work towards protecting the environment, but a tree is known by its fruit. To Hear (Something) Through the Grapevine is to hear it informally from friends or acquaintances. Every time you act suspiciously like that, it plants a seed of doubt in my mind about your fidelity. Oh, don't listen to what they have to sayit's all birdseed anyway. The candidate was doing very well in the polls six months ago, but it seems that this smear campaign has been effective in planting a seed of doubt in the minds of voters. To introduce an idea to someone with the intention of making them more likely to eventually support or agree with it. Meaning: A person is similar in behaviour or actions to his parents.Example: When grandmother saw her grandson collecting coins like her son used to do, she knew he was a Chip off the old block. Thanks Ken Im thrilled that you enjoyed them! With this overall strategy, they hope to sow the seeds of economic recovery. All content on this website, including dictionary, thesaurus, literature, geography, and other reference data is for informational purposes only. [CDATA[ Try to practice idioms with examples of your own. I only use the finest ingredients when I bake. 2. Good seed makes a good crop, you know. There are in (a sort of) alphabetical order of the first word in the idiom. Meaning and Definition, 150 A to Z idioms with Meanings and Sentences PDF, 150 Common Difficult Idioms with Examples, End-to-end support for your study abroad journey, Stuck in a difficult circumstance with no escape, Making the most of the worst situations or things because you cant do anything about it. Synonym for Planting seeds. definitions. Jill: Elsie and Jim are going to have a baby. But whether youre a keen gardener or prefer to relaxwith a glass in hand admiring other peoples handiwork, hopefully youll discover one or two interesting new sayingsamongst this bumper collection. Get updates for teachers sent directly to your inbox, Turn over a new leaf with these exciting phrases using trees and flowers. Ken was up a gum tree when flights were cancelled due to a huge blizzard and he couldnt go home. Thanks for stopping by to leave a comment , As an experienced wordsmith and marketing professional, I will ensure that every word counts whatever function your words need to perform. Literally, the seed of corn that is kept aside from a harvest in order to plant for the following year's production. Free ESL and English teaching resources, no sign up required. Meaning: A person who displays talent, develops skills or interests, or achieves success at a relatively late stage. sow the seeds. Log in. A course of action that is easy and tempting, but ultimately dangerous. We had to be patient., It always amazes me to look at the little, wrinkled brown seeds and think of the rainbows in 'em," said Captain Jim. 20 plant idioms that will make your writing grow - Young Post "Yes, we have a displacer in our number, and a half giant, and a seedman who publicly disgraced us. Was this girl in my school? To shake like a leaf is to physically shake or tremble a lot because of fear or cold. Fill a seed tray with sieved garden compost or a fine proprietary compost, Pansies are always a reliable and hardy winter bedding plant and if you want to grow your own, now is the time to. Originating from the Parable of the Mustard Seed in the Bible (in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke), describing how the Christian faith spreads and flourishes from small beginnings. Read >. 35 Common idioms and their meanings - Writer I often have a bag of polly seeds on hand in case I need a quick snack on the go. In situations like this you might need some more idioms about bad things happening. Meaning: Being in a difficult situation. SpanishDict | English to Spanish Translation, Dictionary, Translator To become old and decrepit. You might have been lured into paying a hearty amount of money to build fluency in the English language. To sow a/the seed of doubt is to give someone the idea of failure that they didnt have beforehand. A person or groups character or worth is determined based on their actions or results they produce. Jane: I'm sure it will be a good child, since they're both such good people. They've been sowing the seeds of their own downfall with their anti-consumer practices over the last few years. 1. sow the seeds. The candidate was doing very well in the polls six months ago, but it seems that this smear campaign has been effective in sowing a seed of doubt in the minds of voters. Take a look at some more idioms with examples and their meanings: Meaning: Take on a difficult work that is beyond your capabilities. 10 English idioms for describing your mood. Investment in the industry, the seed corn of future output, has fallen by 75 percent. Yanni joined the Post in 2021. Let run rampant, they would destroy the very things they were meant to illuminate. sentences. . So, heres a list of the top 100 common idioms with their meanings and sentence examples: Important Tip to Learn Idioms with Examples and their meanings:It is comparatively easier to remember words unlike idioms because idioms (phrases) contain 3 or more words. This information should not be considered complete, up to date, and is not intended to be used in place of a visit, consultation, or advice of a legal, medical, or any other professional. Meaning: Understanding the real message behind somethingExample: If you try to read between the lines, her song is actually about nizagara. A very paltry or minuscule amount of money; the absolute minimum amount. Meaning: Dont take it too seriously.Example: She tells great tales but we take whatever she says with a grain of salt. To lay the groundwork for something that can develop or expand in the future. To cause someone to have certain thoughts or feelings, usually negative ones. thesaurus. 55. To act or behave in a better or more responsible way. Move on. They do look mighty fresh! Wendell Phillips. 69 Wonderful Japanese Idioms That Will Brighten Your Day Ad-free experience & advanced Chrome extension. If the first act of resistance comes too late it is doomed to defeat. All rights reserved. To root for something or someone is to support them and hope they are successful. Forgive. To plant something on someone is to put something illegal on them or something they own. A retirement fund is basically a grain of mustard seed, especially when you start contributing to it at your young age. Hot heads, cold feet, sticky fingers, and more phrases from the body. noun, plural seeds, (especially collectively) seed. But she knew nothing about this so she wont be convicted, sometimes ignorance is bliss. 15 Stress idioms to use when anxious, worried or stressed Example: Andrew told his boss that he will triple the sales but in reality, he bit off more than he can chew and now all of us are in trouble. Meaning: Postpone a plan.Example: He asked me whether I would like to have dinner with his family, but I had a thing so I said, rain check. What first planted the seeds of doubt in your mind? A Bed of roses is a place or situation that is very easy or trouble free. I am sure Robert's business will flourish. definitions. Meaning: To quit or stop addictive or dangerous behaviourExample: No one could believe that my father left eating sweets! Money doesnt grow on trees This expression simply means that money is not easy to come by. 1. Meaning: Confront the unpleasant consequences of ones actions.Example: We have done it and now its time to face the music! Recent economic turbulence in the Eurozone has planted the seed of doubt about the strength of the economy's recovery. Why would the Creator create a vast assortment of plants, ethnicities, and animals, if only one beast or seed is to dominate all of existence?, Do not rush to judge someone unless his/her fruits reveal the truth. The over-zealous policing of opposing opinions has planted the seeds of discontent among the population. I casually mentioned the idea of my mom watching Noah some weekends. An unsophisticated person, particularly from a rural place; a bumpkin. 150 Useful Idioms with Examples, Sentences & Meanings - Leverage Edu Sometimes hyphenated when used as a modifier before a noun. He's capable and honest, and good seed makes a good crop. Leverage Edu Tower, Plants like that ought not to be allowed to go to seed. Look at Christianity. 140 Copy quote. Scared of semicolons? In Matthew 13:312 it is stated that mustard seedindeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs. Idioms are phrases or expressions that don't literally mean what the individual words in the phrase stand for. To do something that ensures a certain outcome in the future, especially an unfortunate or tragic one. Literal translation: "The carrots are cooked!". Meaning: To convince someoneExample: I was not planning to come to the party but by remaining me of all the good food you twisted my arm! Dig up This can mean to search or look for something. It looks soseedy! Meaning: Everything, all the way.Example: I want to know everything there is to know about this merger, the whole nine yards of the deal. Meaning: To put something on hold.Example: As per the boss order, Michael has put his personal matters on ice. My favorite metaphors about dreams are: Sweet dreams. Once I save up enough seed money, I'm going to quit this place and start my own business. They begin as a lot of funny words. So what we didnt complete the puzzle today, lets call it a day and come back again tomorrow. For example, a picture is worth a thousand words is a proverb a general truth. Life always bursts the boundaries of formulas. I had a few jobs during college working for birdseed, but it was the only work I could get that fit in with my studies. SpanishDict | English to Spanish Translation, Dictionary, Translator The seeds of conflict were sown when oil was discovered on the border between the two countries. Doing something that makes it impossible to go back to the original state. Meaning: To continue to feel angry or unfriendly for someone or something because of a particular past incident.Example: I Bear a grudge against him for not taking me into confidence. Forty billion is birdseed to a government with a 600 billion dollar budget. $j("#facebookRegPrompt").hide(); Example: Brian kept quiet at the board meeting, who knew he had an Ace hidden up his sleeve the whole time. Sly old dog. Lady Bird Johnson. antonyms. Here we have a list of 50 gardening and plant idioms. antonyms. 'Exact Same': A Useful Idiom. In other words Idioms mean something different than the individual words. Students often confuse idioms with proverbs. Example: Sarah is a kind person, just like her parents, so it seems that the apple doesnt fall far from the tree. In a more lighthearted setting, idioms may add personality to your work or speaking. They've been sowing the seeds of their own downfall with their anti-consumer practices over the last few years. Meaning: Start over.Example: It is not too late to go back to the drawing board and assess your mistakes. "The company is at breaking point because the owners aren't investing enough in staff training and wellbeing.". Embryonic bonfires, each bearing a seed of destruction so potent it could tumble cities and dash kings to their knees., Youre frustrated because you keep waiting for the blooming of flowers of which you have yet to sow the seeds., We were planting seeds of change, the fruit of which we might never see. Meaning: A person or groups character or worth is determined based on their actions or results they produce. As with most of the other blog posts in this series, I learnt several new idioms while putting this one together my favourite being: Small dog, tall weeds. Old fox. Dictionary, Encyclopedia and Thesaurus - The Free Dictionary, have a bad opinion of (someone or something), have a good, bad, high, low, etc. The investment firm provides seed-corn financing to small business ventures. 24/7: Twenty-four hours a day; seven days a week; all the time; constantly. He went cold turkey when the doctors told him that he has diabetes. //20+ English Idioms Related to SUCCESS - ESLBUZZ 1 Idiom About Plant A Seed - Power Thesaurus The fact that one cannot just rely on the meaning of individual words to grasp what the full phrase means is the sole thing that makes studying idioms a time-consuming process. phrases. 1 ; Copy The heritage of the past is the seed that brings forth the harvest of the future. Manage Settings example: 'I just want my own place, dad.' 'But you don't understand how expensive it's gonna be - how will you afford all the bills and Council Tax and so on? Get notified about the latest career insights, study tips, and offers at Leverage Edu. 1. A taste of your own medicine: Bad treatment deservedly received for . The house has run to seed with those college kids living there. Idioms for Plant A Seed (idioms and sayings about Plant A Seed). Example: Her doctor said Sammy is out of the woods, but she will need some rest before being discharged. To cause someone to have doubts, worries, or concerns (about something); to introduce someone to a doubtful or worrisome idea. A: "I think that seeing a horse in our kitchen certainly counts as gapeseed, don't you?" Meaning: To ignore what someone is saying. English idioms by theme - plants and flowers page - Learn English Today By extension, that which drives or supports future use, growth, or development, as opposed to that which is used immediately or in the present. Know Your Baseball Terms and Idioms. Example: His smoking and drinking habits will see him pushing up daisies at a young age. Lose your gourd This means to lose your mind or go crazy. A set of words, or, to put it another way, a phrase, that has a meaning beyond the words literal meanings is known as an idiom. Wow, Tim's really started going to seed ever since he had kids. Let's get it painted. ). Research, even that which doesn't lead to anything profitable, is the seed corn of this industry. Shelley would tell me. To pursue a mistaken or misguided thought or action. Literal translation: "To look at each other like earthenware dogs.". The kindness of these strangers planted a seed of hope in me that I hadn't felt in years. It will be lush with grass soon enough! I don't know what we'll do for next year's harvest! Previously, she worked at Reuters covering Hong Kong political news including the enactment of the national security law. Is it something that matters in the preparation for competitive exams? 20 plant idioms that will make your writing grow Turn over a new leaf with these exciting phrases using trees and flowers Make sure to stop and smell the roses once in a while! Meaning: To be extremely happy.Example: I can see that you are beside yourself with joy on being selected for the job, congratulations. sentences. Meaning: To stop before a point where something okay gets not okay.Example: Hey buddy, thats enough, Draw the line before someone comes and beats you to a pulp. Wil. A list of phrases related to the word "seed" - Phrasefinder They've been sowing the seeds of their own downfall with their anti-consumer practices over the last few years. Idioms emerge from an incident or past story. Left alone, they lit and warmed. Every time you act suspiciously like that, it plants a seed of doubt in my mind about your fidelity. Henry Fielding used the term figuratively in an essay of 1740: For Virtue itself by growing too exuberant and . Every child is a grain of mustard seedat once relatively small in the scope of the world, but having within them the power to shape the very course of human existence. Meaning: Through good and bad timesExample: Books and music stay by your side through thick and thin. A person who seems innately predisposed to dishonesty, bad behavior, or immoral decisions. Nip it in the bud this means to stop something at an early stage before it gets bigger. Ministers had spent five years planting the seeds of reform. Someone who is (as) fresh as a daisy is lively and attractive, in a clean and fresh way. Example: If we followed your advice wed all be walking down the primrose path to failure. This old coat is going to seed. Of course she's a sweet girlher parents are very nice, and good seed makes a good crop. Example: Time is needed for democracy to take root in her country. This is a serious issue, please stop beating around the bush and address the problem. Sometimes hyphenated when used as a modifier before a noun. Please verify. An incident then occurred that was to sow the seeds of the invasion's eventual failure. Meaning: Bad things one day eventually lead to good things.Example: See, yesterday you were so morose as your phone was stolen but look at you today, you got a promotion. Meaning: Sounds familiarExample: Why does this name ring a bell in my head? Just planting a seed so she might be open to it down the line. A bed of roses = a situation or activity thats comfortable or easy (often used negatively), A late bloomer= someone who only achieves success later in life, A rose amongst thorns = someone/something nice between two not-so-pleasant people/things, A shrinking violet= a timid or shy person, A thorn in the flesh/side = a person or thing causing persistent irritation, A wallflower= an introvert who prefersto remain at the edge of social events, As busy as a bee= very busy, industrious, As fresh as a daisy= lively and attractive, Everything in the garden is rosy= there are no problems in a situation (often used in a negative context), Flowery speech= full of lovely words but lacking in substance, The bloom is off the rose= something thats no longer new, fresh or exciting, To come up smelling of roses= emerge from a difficult situation with ones reputation intact, To gild the lily= decorate something thats already ornate, To have a bee in ones bonnet= beobsessively preoccupied with something, To nip in the bud= prevent a problem from growing worse by dealing with it an early stage, An old chestnut= a joke, story or idea thats become tedious because of constant repetition, Mighty oaks from little acorns grow= all big or great things start off small, To be unable to see the wood for the trees= unable to see the whole situation as focusedon the details, To beat about/around the bush= go about something in a roundabout way; avoid coming to the point, To grow on trees = be plentiful or easily obtained (usually used negatively), Touch wood(orknock on wood) = words spoken to avoid bad luck, usually accompanied by the speaker tapping on something wooden, Up a gum tree= stuck in a difficult or embarrassing situation, Salad days= ones days of youth and inexperience, Salt of the earth= someone who shows great kindness, reliability and honesty, Seed money= money used to start a small business, Small dog, tall weeds= someone who lacks the ability or resources necessary to perform a task, The grass is always greener(on the other side of the fence)= other peoples lives or situations always seem better than our own, To cherry-pick=chooseonlythebestpeopleorthingsinan unfair manner, To go to seed= stop caring about ones health or appearance, To grasp the nettle= tackle a problem with bravery, To hear on/through the grapevine= acquire information via rumour, To let the grass grow under ones feet= delay taking action, To put down roots= start to lead a settled life in a particular place, To reap what one sows= get what one deserves, To sow the seed(s) of= do something which will eventually bring about a particular result, A tough row to hoe= a difficult task to carry out, Green fingers/thumb= ability or knack for gardening, In spades= as much as or more than could be desired, To call a spade a spade= speak plainly or bluntly, To dig deep= draw on ones physical, mental or financial resources, To dig oneself into a hole= make things worse for oneself, To give it some welly= exert more effort or strength, To have a dig at someone= say something indirectly to someone to annoy them, To lay it on with a trowel= flatter excessively; exaggerate grossly, Between you, me and the gatepost = indicates that a confidence is about to be shared, To lead up/down the garden path = deceive or mislead someone, To make a mountain out of a molehill = make a small problem seem much greater than it really is, To mend fences = reconcile conflicting views; restore a broken relationship, To shake like a leaf = tremble with fear or nervousness, To turn over a new leaf = make a fresh start; resolve to change ones ways for the better.