J Idioms
Idioms Index | 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
jack-of-all-trades
- a person who can do many things
We gave him a job because we needed a jack-of-all-trades around the factory to look after the many repairs.jack up
- raise prices
The gas station jacked up their prices during the snow storm.jam on the brakes
- quickly put the brakes on in a car to stop
He jammed on the brakes and was able to avoid hitting the child.jam-packed
- crowded, full
The train that we took this morning was jam-packed with people.jazz up
- brighten up, add more noise or movement or color
They really jazzed up the community center for the party tonight.John Doe
- name used for an unknown person
Why do the application forms use "John Doe" as the name of the person who is applying for something?John Henry (John Hancock)
- signature
Please sign your John Henry here and we will process your order right away.Johnny-come-lately
- new-comer
He's a Johnny-come-lately and doesn't really know what he is talking about.Johnny-on-the-spot
- be at the right place when needed, right on time
He's always Johnny-on-the-spot. Just when we need him he arrives.jump all over someone
- criticize, scold, blame
As soon as I began to talk about my plans for the summer he jumped all over me.jump at
- take or accept quickly and gladly
He jumped at the chance to go to Europe on company business.jump bail
- run away and fail to come to trial and give up the money you have already paid to the court
He jumped bail and decided to go and live in a foreign country.jump down someone's throat
- criticize or become angry with someone
As soon as I reached the office he jumped down my throat over the missing file.jumping-off place
- the starting place of a long trip
We gathered early in the morning at the jumping-off place for our trip to the mountains.jump on someone
- scold, criticize, blame
Everyone jumped on him at the meeting because they were angry about the new schedules.jump on the bandwagon (also get or climb on the bandwagon)
- join a popular activity
Everyone has jumped on the bandwagon to try and stop smoking in the workplace.jump out of one's skin
- be badly frightened
I nearly jumped out of my skin when I saw him at the window.jump the gun
- start before you should
He jumped the gun and started selling the tickets before he should.jump through a hoop
- do whatever one is told to do, obey any order
He is always ready to jump through a hoop for his boss so he is not very popular with the other employees.jump to conclusions
- make a quick conclusion without thinking
Please don't jump to conclusions over who broke the computer.just about
- nearly, almost
I waited just about one hour before the concert started.just now
- this very moment, a minute ago
The accident happened just now. The police haven't even arrived yet.just so
- with great care, very carefully
She always makes sure that her hair is just so before she goes out.just the same
- nevertheless
I told her not to come early but just the same she came early anyway.just what the doctor ordered
- exactly what is needed or wanted
Having the extra day off from work was just what the doctor ordered and he was able to get his many errands finished.
